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#BillsLetter.

noreply@blogger.com ((RED) Digital) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 19:07:00 +0000

In his annual public letter released this week, Bill Gates highlighted some of the greatest challenges facing humanity – fighting HIV/AIDS, eradicating polio, preventing infant deaths and agricultural development — and how innovation is the key to overcoming them.

He discusses the AIDS community's focus on prevention and treatment while work for a cure continues. Mr. Gates explains there are many ways to prevent new infections. One key approach that works well is using treatment as prevention — in other words, giving people living with HIV/AIDS early access to anti-retroviral treatment (ARVs), which has been found to greatly reduce the chance of transferring infection. The 2015 goal of eliminating mother-to-child transmission by 2015 is part of this approach — by providing proper treatment to HIV+ mothers during their pregnancy and breast-feeding, the chance of transmission can drop to 2%. The global health community's goal of reaching 90% of HIV+ mothers by 2015 would result in the virtual elimination of mother-to-child transmission, and the first AIDS Free Generation being born in the 30 years since AIDS was first diagnosed.

In his letter Mr. Gates also highlights the amazing progress made in scaling up treatment, thanks mostly to the Global Fund and the U.S. program PEPFAR. Mr. Gates writes, "More than 6.6 million people are alive today because they are taking ARV drugs. Ten years ago it looked as if almost all of these people would die because the drugs were available only in rich countries." Mr. Gates highlights in his letter the extraordinary work of the Global Fund, citing that between 2008 and 2010, the Fund disbursed $8 billion to fund AIDS, TB, and Malaria. In addition to supporting programs that have provided ARV treatment to 3.3 million people, this money has funded 230 million bed-nets and treatment for 8.6 million cases of TB.

The Gates Foundation is the biggest non-government supporter of the Global Fund, having committed $650 million over the last decade. In his letter, Mr. Gates said, “I am confident that this is one of the most effective ways we invest our money every year, and I always urge other funders to join us in getting so much bang for our buck."

The Global Fund is rigorous in its commitment to transparency and efficiency. Mr. Gates states in his letter, “The Global Fund does a lot to make sure its money is spent efficiently. Given the places where the Global Fund works, it is not surprising that some of the money was diverted for corrupt purposes. However, the Global Fund found these problems itself and changed the way it handled training grants, where most of the problems were … In fact, less than 5 percent of Global Fund money was misused, and with the new procedures in place that percentage will be even lower.”

This week at the World Economic Forum in Davos, the Gates Foundation committed an additional $750 million to the Global Fund. We are all humbled by the Foundation's generosity, inspired by their commitment to the Global Fund, and honored to work alongside them in this fight.

Read Mr. Gates’ annual letter here.

Ashley @ (RED)

ⁱ UNAIDS. OUTLOOK 30. June 2011.

A Mother with a Mission: Doris' Story

noreply@blogger.com (Join Red) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 16:51:00 +0000

Doris and Michael at home in Ghana.

Doris is HIV positive and her son Michael is HIV negative thanks to treatment that prevented Doris from transmitting HIV to her son. Doris is busy raising her healthy and active 4 year-old boy. Michael enjoys playing football and reading books. When he grows up he would like to be a soldier, but Doris would prefer for him to be a pilot.

Doris serves as an advisor to the president of Wisdom Association, a Global Fund financed support group in Ghana. When Doris shares her story with newly diagnosed patients, she says “there is hope for people living with HIV; you can go on living, having families and working.”

Doris is a seamstress and jewelry maker by trade, she teaches other HIV positive individuals how to make bracelets so they can sell them as a means of generating income for themselves and the Wisdom Association.

Today, thanks to (RED)-funded Global Fund grants, mothers like Doris are getting access to treatment and are giving birth to healthy, HIV-free children like Michael. Every time you buy a (RED) product, you're joining the fight for an AIDS Free Generation by 2015.

Michael, Doris' HIV-free son in Ghana.

Do You Want to Put Your Digital Skills to Work at (RED)?

noreply@blogger.com (Join Red) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 18:26:00 +0000

(RED) is seeking an energetic, passionate, social media obsessed Digital Intern based in New York. We’re looking for juniors, seniors, or 2011 graduates who can commit to 2- 5 days per week.   

The intern will work with the (RED) Digital Team on a variety of creative projects.   

The intern will:
· Assist with digital marketing, communications campaigns, and organization
· Create digital assets for (RED) properties and campaigns
· Update www.joinred.com via a Content Management System
· Research/utilize latest social media to engage and inform our supporters   

Intern qualifications include:
· Addicted to social media: must use Facebook & Twitter; Uses of other social media/blogs a plus
· Comprehensive digital design knowledge of Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign
· Love of music a plus
· Excellent research and writing skills  · Organizational abilities and keen attention to detail
· Fluency in Microsoft Office Suite
· Ability to work in an energetic atmosphere and take direction
· Discretion and a professional demeanor
· Dependable and punctual
· GPA of 3.0 or higher

The ideal candidate would be able to start from now and work through the spring semester; however, start/end dates are flexible and can be based upon the candidate’s availability.

To apply, please send a resume and cover letter in one email to InternApplication@joinred.com ASAP with the subject “(RED) Digital Intern”. This is an unpaid position.  

Visit our website to learn more about (RED) - www.joinred.com.

The Ellen Degeneres Show Welcomes Bono on World AIDS Day

noreply@blogger.com (Join Red) — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 21:18:00 +0000

On World AIDS Day, Bono appeared on The Ellen Degeneres Show for the very first time to talk with Ellen about her new role as a Special Envoy for Global AIDS Awareness and the progress that has been made in the fight against HIV/AIDS. As the world is at a critical moment in this fight, Bono discusses the beginning of the end of AIDS and states "it's such great news to be able to say that the end of AIDS...is in sight". Watch the clip here.

Director of the Global Fund, Michel D. Kazatchkine on Funding an AIDS Free Generation

noreply@blogger.com (Join Red) — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 21:15:00 +0000

Guest blog by Michel D. Kazatchkine, Global Fund Executive Director

On World AIDS Day 2011, Michel Kazatchkine blogged for the Huffington Post reminding us that delivering an AIDS Free Generation will take continued and increased funding, and that each person can do his or her part by buying (RED), joining ONE, or donating directly to the Global Fund through joinred.com. You can read his piece below:

In a modern, globalized world, the country in which you live or the income you earn should not determine whether or not your child will become HIV positive. And yet in my country, France, only three babies were infected last year with HIV during their mothers' pregnancy, labor, delivery, or when breastfeeding, while globally, 390,000 babies were born HIV-positive, most of them in Sub-Saharan Africa. Without medical intervention, nearly half of these babies will die before their second birthday.

In 2012, we can and must do better. We can prevent millions of new infections, and get ahead of the AIDS epidemic because it costs less than $1 per day to give a mother medicine to prevent this type of transmission. That is why the global health community has set its sights on the virtual elimination of mother to child transmission of HIV by 2015. Reaching this goal is possible if we increase funding so that every woman living with HIV has access to the life-saving drugs she needs. Since 2000, the Global Fund has assisted over one million pregnant women in this way. This is a great achievement but sadly, we are still reaching only half of those who need our help. To achieve the goal of an "AIDS free generation" resources are the key. Simply stated: without resources, there are no results.

It was the administration of George W. Bush that established the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and provided funds for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. Both have enjoyed widespread bi-partisan support in Congress. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has continued US leadership in the fight and recently announced the Obama Administration's support for an AIDS free generation by 2015.

Continue reading here.

(RED) Ambassador, Gisele Bundchen, on Ending Mother to Child Transmission of HIV

noreply@blogger.com (Join Red) — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 21:04:00 +0000

(RED) Ambassador and new mom, Gisele Bundchen, blogged for Huffington Post this World AIDS Day about working together to end mother-to-child transmission of HIV by 2015. Read her piece below:

Guest blog from Gisele Bundchen, Huffington Post, December 1st, 2011:

For the past five years, I have worked with (RED), spreading the word about the need to fund AIDS programs in developing countries. Today, more than 1,000 babies are born with HIV every day in the developing world. As a mother, this statistic really breaks my heart, especially when as many as 98% of these cases could be prevented through HIV screening of pregnant women, antiretroviral drug regimens for HIV+ pregnant women, treatment during and after labor, and education programs about infant feeding guidelines.

If we act now, we can help put these strategies into action and introduce the world to the first AIDS-free generation in nearly 30 years. This past World AIDS Day (December 1st), (RED) and its sister organization, ONE, highlighted the global health community's goal of virtually eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV by 2015.

Read the full blog here.

Are You the Next (RED) Digital Intern?

noreply@blogger.com (Join Red) — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 17:01:00 +0000

Do you want to put your digital skills to work at (RED)?

(RED) is seeking an energetic, passionate, social media obsessed Digital Intern based in New York. We’re looking for juniors, seniors, or 2011 graduates who can start in December and can commit to 3 - 4 days per week.

The intern will work with the (RED) Digital Team on a variety of creative projects.

The intern will:

· Assist with digital marketing, communications campaigns, and organization

· Create digital design assets for (RED) properties and campaigns

· Update www.joinred.com via a Content Management System

· Research/utilize latest social media to engage and inform our supporters

Intern qualifications include:

· Addicted to social media: must use Facebook & Twitter; Uses of other social media/blogs a plus

· Comprehensive digital design knowledge of Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign

· Love of music a plus

· Excellent research and writing skills

· Organizational abilities and keen attention to detail

· Fluency in Microsoft Office Suite

· Ability to work in an energetic atmosphere and take direction

· Discretion and a professional demeanor

· Dependable and punctual

· GPA of 3.0 or higher

The ideal candidate would be able to start in January and work through the spring semester; however, start/end dates are flexible and can be based upon the candidate’s availability.

To apply, please send a resume and cover letter in one email to InternApplication@joinred.com ASAP with the subject “(RED) Digital Intern”. This is an unpaid position.

Visit our website to learn more about (RED) - www.joinred.com

Meaningful Change: An AIDS Free Generation by 2015

noreply@blogger.com (Join Red) — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 16:50:00 +0000

(RED)'s CEO, Deborah Dugan, blogged for the Huffington Post on World AIDS Day, December 1st, 2011.

Thirty years ago, researchers first identified AIDS, and a global health crisis was born. After more than three decades of destruction, we are finally at a turning point and on a path to winning the war against HIV/AIDS. We are now on the verge of an incredible and highly attainable milestone -- virtually ending the transmission of HIV from moms to their babies by the end of 2015. Achieving this milestone and a number of other attainable goals can mark what the global health community is calling "the beginning of the end of AIDS."

The progress that has been made in recent years to fight the AIDS epidemic has been astounding. What was once a death sentence because of inaccessibility to treatment is now a disease that can be managed, thanks to life-saving antiretroviral medication. More than six million people are benefiting from this medication, the cost of which has dropped dramatically through the efforts of the public and private sectors. For the price of a U.S. postage stamp, people who are HIV-positive can receive the daily treatment needed to regain their strength and their opportunity at life.

More than 1,000 children are born with the virus every day. The good news is that the transmission of HIV from moms to their babies can now be prevented. A multi-tiered approach involving HIV screening of pregnant women, antiretroviral drug regimens for HIV-positive pregnant women, treatment during and after labor, and infant feeding guidelines has been shown to block mother-to-child transmission in up to 98% of cases. I saw this firsthand when I recently visited two (RED)-supported clinics in Ghana: the Tema Teaching Hospital and Korle Bu Clinic. There, I witnessed the miraculous sight of HIV-positive mothers surrounded by their HIV-negative babies.

The current Global Fund AIDS grant in Ghana receives over 50% of its funding from (RED) and has helped support programs that have provided more than 7,700 HIV-positive pregnant women with ARV prophylaxis to reduce the risk of mother-to-child transmission and established and supported more than 800 centers for prevention of mother-to-child transmission. By making this care accessible to more pregnant women, we can virtually eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV by 2015. The first AIDS-free generation in nearly 30 years is in sight.

Leaders from across the aisle and from around the world have demonstrated political and financial will to fight this disease. Governments have stepped up with funding, as have non-governmental organizations, which are working on the ground to educate and provide preventative and acute care.

Significant work still needs to be done. There are nearly nine million HIV-positive people in need of treatment in low-and middle-income countries, including 1.4 million HIV-positive pregnant women. More than 370,000 infants and children are infected with the virus each year. New HIV infections still outpace the number of people gaining access to treatment annually.

So, we find ourselves at a critical juncture in the fight against AIDS - at a time of both great opportunity and significant challenges. Innovative financing solutions and the combined efforts of the public and private sectors as well as individuals are all the more important in this environment.

(RED) serves as a model for how the private sector can help catalyze meaningful change. To date, our partners have generated more than $180 million for the Global Fund, and over 7.5 million people in Africa affected by HIV/AIDS have been impacted by Global Fund programs that (RED) supports.

Our corporate partners have stepped up to play their part in the fight. On World AIDS Day, we are asking everyone to take action to help deliver an AIDS-free Generation by the end of 2015. Create a panel on our 2015QUILT and raise awareness amongst your friends. Buy a (RED) product this holiday season. Join ONE and press policymakers to act.

Working together, we can bring an end to AIDS. It's a remarkable, critical opportunity that we simply cannot afford to miss.

Remembering What's Possible

noreply@blogger.com (Join Red) — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 15:56:00 +0000

Guest blog by Rachel Wilson, Senior Director of Advocacy and Public Policy at PATH

This year, I commemorated World AIDS Day at ONE and (RED)’s event in Washington, DC, where I listened to sitting and past presidents, members of Congress, corporate leaders, health workers from other countries, activists and even a few rockstars. At a time when every government cent is under scrutiny, I was reminded of just how far we have come in the fight against AIDS and many other diseases that disproportionately affect the developing world. I left the event feeling energized by the significant progress we have made and the leadership that has been shown by the US in addressing so many global health problems.

It wasn’t until I returned to my office and saw an email from a dear friend, who had chosen to stop taking the medication that is no longer protecting him against an ever-growing list of AIDS-related complications, that I was brought crashing back to reality. This juxtaposition between a community’s accomplishment and personal tragedy gave me pause. To be sure, we are winning the war against AIDS; but we also have a long way to go before we can declare victory.

The United States deserves a lion’s share of the credit for its leadership in the AIDS fight. My country, as Bono — Irish rock legend and cofounder of ONE — so articulately explained in a recent New York Times op-ed, has led. Really led. In just the last year alone, the US government, in partnership with nongovernmental organizations like PATH, has helped support:

Lifesaving antiretroviral treatment for 3.9 million people.

HIV testing and counseling for more than 9.8 million pregnant women.

Care for nearly 13 million people, including more than 4.1 million orphans and vulnerable children.

In the midst of the current economic crisis, when morale is low, it is natural to focus on what our government is not doing. However, when it comes to issues of HIV/AIDS, malaria, and other global health issues, our leaders have really demonstrated our nation’s potential to positively impact many of the world’s gravest health problems.

The President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, or PEPFAR, which was started under President George W. Bush, has been pivotal in turning the tide against this disease. Furthermore, in an historic announcement last week, President Obama pledged to help 6 million people get treatment by 2013, 2 million more than the original goal. To have our 43rd and 44th presidents so invested in this vital issue makes me proud to be an American. It shows me that, when they want to, our two political parties can achieve some pretty remarkable feats in global health. It is our job as taxpayers to remind them of this, especially now as they consider cutting foreign assistance, a move that would only worsen morale at home, not to mention adversely impact the lives of millions around the world.

I refuse to believe that the era of bipartisanship is dead. In fact, bipartisanship was on full display at the ONE and (RED)’s event. Representative Barbara Lee, D-Calif., one of Congress’ most devoted champions on the HIV/AIDS issue, was joined on stage by freshman Senator Marco Rubio, R-Fla., and — wait for it — they both agreed with each other! In one of my favorite quotes of the morning, Senator Rubio remarked that, as a country, we “are not just blessed so we can have; we’re blessed so we can give.” I couldn’t agree more.

It is through events like this and other World AIDS Day events that we are able to tangibly see the impact of foreign assistance and the leadership role the US has played in getting that assistance to those who need it. If the American public and policymakers better understood what the US has accomplished with their investments, I truly believe they would be reinvigorated and feel a sense of responsibility to care for the world’s poor. We are a nation of generous people, and this generosity, by and large, transcends our differences in culture, race, religion, and politics. To quote the timeless adage, which was echoed throughout the day, “To whom much is given, much is required.”

It is time, as our President so eloquently stated, to “put humanity before politics…and to fight for all the people who didn’t live to see [our success].” I promise to continue fighting for my friend and for all of the men, women, and children who were taken far too early from this world by this and other diseases. I hope you will join me.

Add your voice to the (2015)QUILT. By creating a personalized, digital panel and using it as your social media avatar you can show your support for a HIV-free generation and future US investments in global health.

Coca-Cola Joins the (RED) Family to Help Deliver an AIDS Free Generation in 2015

noreply@blogger.com (Join Red) — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 19:37:00 +0000

In the words of Coca-Cola Chairman and CEO, Muhtar Kent, “It’s encouraging to think that we could witness an AIDS-free generation during our lifetime. We’re proud to help this effort and believe it complements the current work we’re doing in many parts of the world to educate and prevent HIV/AIDS as well as provide support to people affected by this preventable and treatable disease.”

The partnership will include an initial commitment of more than $5 million USD from The Coca-Cola Company over the next four years. The partnership will raise awareness and money to help eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV by 2015. This money will help fund up to 7.5 million doses of antiretroviral treatment for people affected by HIV/AIDS in Africa. The Coca-Cola system employs more than 70,000 people in Africa, which is home to more than 60 percent of the world's HIV-infected population.

We can't think of a more powerful announcement to finish off this incredible World AIDS Day. Thank you for tuning into the "Beginning of the End of AIDS" Panel, pledging to the (2015)QUILT, and sharing our message with the world. We are proud to welcome Coca-Cola as a member of the (RED) family as we work to help deliver an AIDS Free Generation by 2015.

Making an AIDS Free Generation a Reality

noreply@blogger.com (Join Red) — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 18:45:00 +0000

Guest blog by Howard Schultz, Starbucks Chairman & CEO

The global fight against AIDS is at an exciting yet critical juncture. For the first time, we can see the possibility of what the global health community is calling “the beginning of the end of AIDS.”

We’ve reached this point through an extraordinary public-private collaboration involving a wide range of partners: governments like the United States, through the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), have made remarkable commitments of money and other resources. Major private foundations, such as the Gates Foundation and the Clinton Health Access Initiative, have also contributed significant amounts of funding and game-changing ideas about how to spend this money in the most impactful ways. Organizations like The Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria are disbursing the funds to provide preventive education, treatment and related services to keep people alive. And the United Nations, through UNAIDS, has played a critical role in coordinating and overseeing all these efforts.

A key driver in getting the private sector engaged is (RED), which was founded five years ago to drive corporate support and help educate the public on the war on AIDS, giving people a call to action to participate. It continues to be an incredibly successful model, generating over $180 million to support the Global Fund’s work. All the money goes to programs on the ground in sub-Saharan Africa. The results speak for themselves – more than 7.5 million people have been impacted by Global Fund initiatives that (RED) supports.

Today, HIV/AIDS is not necessarily a death sentence. It is a chronic disease that can be managed, when people are given the information and, most importantly, the life-saving medications they need to live healthier lives. Thanks in part to the collaborative work of various organizations, those medications now cost a small fraction of what they did just a decade ago.

Starbucks has been a proud (RED) partner since 2008 and in that time has contributed nearly $10 million to the Global Fund to help those living with HIV/AIDS in Africa. For us, it has been both a rewarding and effective business relationship that reaffirms our collective commitment to caring about the cause and doing something tangible to bring about real change.

Now we are joining with (RED) to focus on a very specific goal: virtually ending mother-to-child transmission of HIV by the end of 2015. No child should be born with this horrific burden. We hope to create a generation of kids – the first generation in thirty years – born HIV-free. We will continue to work with (RED) because, for our brand, it allows us to combine good works and good business. The global economic woes that have hit everyone so hard should not diminish our commitment to finishing the job we started. It will take a renewed focus, and some creativity, to get it done. But we cannot cede the ground we have gained when an opportunity this great is staring us in the face. We want to help make an AIDS Free Generation a reality.

Howard Schultz, Starbucks Chairman & CEO

For More Information
If you have questions or need more information, please contact (206) 318-7100 or press@starbucks.com.

(RED) WELCOMES THE COCA-COLA COMPANY, SAP AND AMÉRICA MÓVIL WITH THE CARLOS SLIM FOUNDATION AS NEW PROUD PARTNERS

noreply@blogger.com (Join Red) — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 14:41:00 +0000

Leading Global Brands Join (RED)’s Campaign to Help Deliver an AIDS Free Generation by 2015

NEW YORK, NY (December 1, 2011) – (RED) today announced that three major global brands, The Coca-Cola Company, SAP and América Móvil with the Carlos Slim Foundation, have joined its team of Proud Partners and the campaign to help deliver an AIDS Free Generation by 2015. (RED), cofounded by Bono and Bobby Shriver in 2006, leverages corporate and consumer power in the fight against AIDS, and has to date delivered more than $180 million to the Global Fund to fight AIDS in Africa.

As Proud Partners, The Coca-Cola Company, SAP and América Móvil with the Carlos Slim Foundation, have each committed to deliver a minimum of $1million per year during the partnership. (RED) and its partners are focusing on helping to reach the goal of an AIDS Free Generation by 2015, one of the markers identified by the global health community for the Beginning of the End of AIDS. This means virtually eliminating the transmission of HIV from mothers to their newborn children in the next four years.

“We are delighted to have the support of these new corporate partners at a critical and exciting time in the global fight against HIV/AIDS,” said (RED) CEO Deborah Dugan. “With governments reducing their financial commitment to this effort due to the global economic downturn, (RED)’s role in driving more private sector involvement to the cause is more critical than ever. These new partnerships will bring us closer to our ultimate goal of ending the HIV/AIDS pandemic.”

“It’s encouraging to think that we could witness an AIDS-free generation during our lifetime,” said Muhtar Kent, Chairman and CEO, The Coca-Cola Company. “We’re proud to help this effort and believe it complements the current work we’re doing in many parts of the world to educate and prevent HIV/AIDS as well as provide support to people affected by this preventable and treatable disease.”

Announcing SAP + (RED)

noreply@blogger.com (Join Red) — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 12:27:00 +0000

The best companies in the world are powered by SAP, and today SAP will become part of the power behind the fight against AIDS.

We are proud to announce a multi-year partnership with SAP, the global leader in business software. SAP now joins (RED) companies, world leaders, global health organizations and individuals everywhere in the fight against the world's deadliest epidemic.

As a Proud Partner of (PRODUCT)RED, SAP has committed to a minimum of $1 million per year to the Global Fund to help fight AIDS and to help provide global access to the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV.

SAP’s smart technology makes the best companies in the world run better. Now they can have an impact on global health. SAP has long supported educational initiatives around the world as the path to a brighter future. We are grateful that their funds will support Global Fund programs which provide care, education and counseling to HIV positive mothers as well as training for HIV/AIDS healthcare workers.

Welcome to the (RED) family SAP!

THANK YOU TO THE KILLERS!

noreply@blogger.com (Join Red) — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 18:04:00 +0000

THE KILLERS TURN THEIR CHRISTMAS SINGLE (RED) AGAIN

Every year since 2006, The Killers have released an annual Christmas single for (RED) - featuring collaborations with the likes of Elton John, Pet Shop Boys’ Neil Tennant, and Mariachi El Bronx – with proceeds from the sale of the songs going to fight AIDS.

And for a limited time, you can get one of those songs for free when you add a pledge to your panel on the (2015)QUILT. Choose from ‘A Great Big Sled,’ ‘Don’t Shoot Me Santa,’ ‘Joseph, Better You Than Me,’ ‘Boots,’ ‘¡Happy Birthday Guadalupe!’ or this year’s song, ‘The Cowboys' Christmas Ball.’

The songs are available as singles or you can buy the EP exclusively on iTunes and proceeds from the purchase benefit the Global Fund, the recipient of (RED) money, to help fight AIDS.

Click here to add a panel to the (2015)QUILT and here to get The Killers’ (RED) EP on iTunes.

December 1 is World AIDS Day 2011: The Beginning of the End of AIDS Starts with You.

noreply@blogger.com (Join Red) — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 17:16:00 +0000

2011 marks the 30th anniversary of AIDS. We are at a critical moment - by 2015 we can virtually end the transmission of HIV from moms to their babies, one of the markers for the beginning of the end of AIDS. This World AIDS Day – December 1 – sister organizations (RED) and ONE have come together to raise awareness around this critical moment.

On Dec 1 watch President Barack Obama, former Presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton, President Kikwete of Tanzania, Bono, Alicia Keys, and many more discuss the ‘Beginning of the End of AIDS.’ The event which includes (RED), ONE and a whole host of our coalition partners in this fight is being powered by YouTube – watch the live stream at 10am ET/3pm GMT.

We’ve also created the (2015)QUILT – which brings together pictures and pledges from people all over the world who are joining the fight for an AIDS Free Generation. Hugh Jackman, Josh Groban, Coldplay, Christy Turlington Burns, Gisele Bundchen and Jane Lynch all have panels on the (2015)QUILT. Join them and receive one of The Killer’s (RED) songs for free (check out the others on iTunes).

And once again, landmarks around the world like the Empire State Building, the Sydney Opera House and the London Eye are turning (RED).

The beginning of the #endofAIDS starts with you.

(2015)QUILT: FIGHTING FOR AN AIDS FREE GENERATION BY 2015

noreply@blogger.com (Join Red) — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 16:35:00 +0000

Every generation is known for something. Let's be the one to deliver an AIDS FREE GENERATION by 2015.

In 1987, a quilt created by The Names Project Foundation covered the National Mall in Washington, D.C., memorializing those we lost to AIDS. Today, we stand at the threshold of another defining milestone in this fight: by 2015, we could end the transmission of HIV from mothers to their babies. 1.4 million HIV+ pregnant women need access to treatment - treatment that only costs about 40 cents a day.

That's why we're creating the (2015)QUILT.

It brings together pictures and pledges from people all over the world who are joining the fight for an AIDS Free Generation. Hugh Jackman, Coldplay, Josh Groban, Christy Turlington Burns, Gisele Bundchen and Jane Lynch all have panels on the (2015)QUILT. Join them and receive one of The Killer's (RED) songs for free (check out the others on iTunes).

For the last 5 years The Killers have recorded a Christmas song to help fight AIDS in Africa. When you add a pledge to your panel you'll get to choose one of these songs for free (all the songs are available as an EP exclusively on iTunes - with proceeds going to help fight AIDS).

Click here to create your panel on the (2015)QUILT. The beginning of the #endofAIDS starts with you.

Starbucks to Turn Handcrafted Beverages (RED) on World AIDS Day - December 1st 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Join Red) — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 03:32:00 +0000

Woohoo! For the third year running, Starbucks is taking the charge in the fight against AIDS by making your handcrafted beverage an agent of change. They will be turning all handcrafted beverages (RED) on World AIDS Day, December 1st, across the US & Canada, making a five cent donation on every handcrafted beverage sold.

So, this World AIDS Day your cup of coffee could have a dual impact! What will you be drinking? Our fav is the Skinny Peppermint Mocha!

Since partnering with (RED) in 2008, Starbucks has contributed nearly $10 million to the Global Fund to help those living with HIV and AIDS in Africa. Thanks Starbucks for your generosity and for making it easy for everyone to help deliver an AIDS Free Generation by 2015!

Click here to find your local Starbucks

(FEED) RED Love 30 Bag = Food + Medicine for 30 days

noreply@blogger.com (Join Red) — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 00:49:00 +0000

Guest blog by Lauren Bush Lauren, founder of FEED, (RED)’s latest Special Edition Partner

On this World AIDS Day 2011 it is important to pay tribute to all those who have died of HIV/AIDS and help those who are living with the disease. My first encounter with HIV/AIDS was during a trip I took to Cambodia in 2009*. It was there that I visited a small rural village with the UN World Food Programme. A priest, who himself was an American Vietnam vet, had moved to this village and set up a school for children who were HIV positive and a small clinic to treat them and their families. We first visited the kids, who were all different ages but all huddled around the single teacher. Some children were more vibrant than others, but I was told that all were receiving ARV treatments due to the generosity of donations to the center. The kids were curious about me, a white woman visitor from a foreign land, but the longer I sat with them the more comfortable they became. We sang songs and played together. Regardless of circumstance, children have such a wonderful, innocent and playful nature. It broke my heart to know that all these children were born with such a horrible disease.

Our next stop on this visit was a clinic. In the dimly lit little room where there were three beds, only one was filled. By the side of one bed sat a nurse singing, “Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so...”. As we approached the bed, it was shocking sight. There lay a man who was basically a skeleton. I immediately felt invasive and rude for being there, but the kind priest who was showing me around told me that he liked visitors and people around him, especially because this could be the last day of his life. The man could no longer communicate, but hopefully was soothed by the presence of people surrounding him and taking care of him.

The final stop of our tour was the crematorium, next to which they had built a memorial, which consisted of glass cases filled with urns and photographs. The priest explained that HIV/AIDS was so taboo when he arrived at the village just five years before, but now that there is a memorial, children can properly grieve for their parents who have passed. Also, having the issue more in the open had helped educate adults and children about how to prevent the spread of this deadly virus.

This trip opened my eyes to the reality of HIV/AIDS, and that is why I feel so proud to now be part of helping those who live everyday with this disease through my new partnership with (RED). FEED Projects, a company I co-founded in 2007, has a mission to create good products that help FEED the world. And starting this World AIDS Day - December 1st - FEED has come together with (RED) to launch the (FEED) RED Love 30 bag, which will provide 30 days or one month’s worth of antiretroviral treatment for people living with HIV/AIDS through the Global Fund and food to take with the medicine through the UN World Food Programme. The importance of taking medicine with food is vital, and that is why this particular FEED bag will be supporting both. We hope that others will rally behind this important cause either through taking part in the (2015)QUILT, donating or buying a new (FEED) RED Love 30 bag as a holiday gift for your loved ones and yourself!

All my best,
Lauren

* Cambodia is not currently a recipient of (RED) monies. (RED) monies support Global Fund grants in Ghana, Lesotho, Rwanda, South Africa, Swaziland and Zambia.

SPECIAL ONE WEEK OFFER! GET THE (SHAZAM) RED iPHONE APP FOR ONLY $1.99 (Regular Price $5.99)

noreply@blogger.com (Join Red) — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 00:25:00 +0000

To mark World AIDS Day on December 1st our Special Edition Partner Shazam, is being VERY generous.

For one week, beginning on Dec 1, they are reducing the price of the (SHAZAM) RED App to $1.99 / €1.59 / £1.49 (the regular price is $5.99 / €4.99 / £3.99) and they are giving 100% of the profits to fight AIDS.

The offer is only on for one week so download the (SHAZAM) RED iPhone/iPod touch App today and enjoy unlimited tagging, streaming lyrics, YouTube videos and more and help save lives. Offer ends midnight Dec 7th (PST).

Now, what’s the name of this song I’m currently listening to…

All Star: Turning Art Into Power. The José Parlá (CONVERSE)RED Chuck Taylor All Star

noreply@blogger.com (Join Red) — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 23:04:00 +0000

World AIDS Day – December 1st – sees the launch of the limited edition (CONVERSE)RED Chuck Taylor All Star shoe by José Parlá. A painter widely acclaimed in the art world, Parlá’s collaboration with (CONVERSE)RED raises awareness for the fight against AIDS and encourages consumers to turn art into power. 10% of the wholesale price of each shoe will go directly to Global Fund programs that fight AIDS.

“Wearing Chuck Taylor All Star shoes as a kid , I never imagined that one day there would be such an awful disease like AIDS and that, as an artist, I could help by collaborating with Converse,” says Parlá. “I invite people to join in the effort… and become an agent of change.”

The Brooklyn-based artist is widely recognized for his distinctive abstract process that blends calligraphy, collage, textures and color to create paintings with complex themes. Parlá chose his painting ‘Ephemeral Pitches, and Notes, Rhythm and Phonetics’ for the (CONVERSE)RED shoe.

Check out the limited edition (CONVERSE)RED Chuck Taylor by Jose Parla at these select retailers:

Kicks Hawaii - Honolulu

St. Alfred - Chicago

Bodega - Boston

Aloha Rag Hawaii - Honolulu

Undftd La Brea - Los Angeles

Undftd - Santa Monica, CA

Undftd Silver Lake - Los Angeles

Blends - Costa Mesa, CA

Blends - Los Angeles

Stussy - NYC

Darkside Initiative - San Francisco

(NIKE) RED Launches New Items

noreply@blogger.com (Join Red) — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 21:51:00 +0000

On December 1st - World AIDS Day – (NIKE) RED will launch three iconic Nike Sportswear items recreated in red to inspire action to fight HIV/AIDS. The exclusive limited edition Melton Destroyer P Coat, Cheyenne backpack and Zoom Meriwether boot are available at select Nike retailers around the world.

Melton Destroyer P Coat

Cheyenne Backpack

Zoom Meriwether Boot

They will be available at select locations around the world. Here’s where you can find them:
LONDON: 1948
PARIS: Colette and Nike Stadium Paris
MILAN: Nike Stadium Milano
BERLIN: Nike Stadium Berlin
ZURICH: Grand
VIENNA: Woodwood
NYC: 21 Mercer and Nike Bowery Stadium
LA: The Montalban Theater
TOKYO: Nike Harajuku
SHANGHAI: Juice Shanghai and Nike Shanghai

(RED) and ONE Host 'Beginning of the End of AIDS' Event

noreply@blogger.com (Join Red) — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 16:57:00 +0000

Featuring President Barack Obama, former Presidents George W. Bush and President Clinton, President Jakaya Kikwete of Tanzania, Sen. Marco Rubio, Rep. Barbara Lee, Bono, Alicia Keys and More

To mark World AIDS Day, on December 1st, (RED) and ONE are hosting a high-level event in Washington DC on the potential of reaching “The Beginning of the End of AIDS” by 2015 featuring President Barack Obama, former Presidents George W. Bush & Bill Clinton, President Kikwete of Tanzania, Bono, Alicia Keys and more. Major progress has been made in the last 10 years in the fight against global AIDS. If the world comes together over the next few years, we could finally see the beginning of the end of AIDS pandemic, but only if a broad coalition – government and activities, business and faith leaders – come together.

Through a partnership with YouTube, the event will be streamed live at 10am ET on the ONE Campaign's official YouTube channel. The panelists will also respond to questions from a moderator, as well as to a selection of top-voted questions submitted by citizens on YouTube.

The event features:

President Barack Obama

President George W. Bush (via satellite in Tanzania)

President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete of Tanzania (via satellite in Tanzania)

President Bill Clinton (via satellite)

Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL)

Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA)

Bono – Lead Singer of U2 and Co-Founder of ONE and (RED)

Alicia Keys – Artist and Co-Founder of Keep a Child Alive (KCA)

Dr. Patricia Nkansah-Asamoah – Director of PMTCT Clinic at Tema Hospital in Accra, Ghana

Florence Ngobeni -- HIV Educator and Ambassador for the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation

Kay Warren – Founder, HIV & AIDS Initiative, Saddleback Church

Tune in on YouTube at 10am ET on December 1st to watch.

The Beginning of the #endofAIDS starts with you.

On World AIDS Day, Landmarks Around the World Will Turn (RED) Once Again

noreply@blogger.com (Join Red) — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 15:30:00 +0000

Turning famous landmarks (RED) on World AIDS Day has become a bit of a tradition at (RED). And once again, on December 1st, cities around the world will unite and illuminate landmarks (RED) to honor World AIDS Day.

Will your city have a (RED) skyline on December 1st? Cities and landmarks turning (RED) include the Empire State Building in New York, The London Eye, the Sydney Opera House, the Wrigley Building in Chicago, the CN Tower in Toronto and Table Mountain in Cape Town.

The landmark lightings will help raise awareness and support for our goal of eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV by 2015. The lightings will also bring awareness of the issue to a local level with many individual cities hosting events.

Here’s a list of all the cities and landmarks participating this year:

Australia: Sydney Opera House & Sydney Harbour Bridge
Brazil: The Congress Building, Brasilia, Cristo Redentor, Catedral Metropolitana – Centro, Arcos da Lapa – Lapa Câmara Municipal – Cinelândia, Praça Paris – Glória, Monumento Estácio de Sá – Aterro do Flamengo, Monumento Zuzu Angel – São Conrado, Cidade das Artes – Barra da Tijuca, FIOCRUZ – Manguinhos, Centro Cultural Waly Salomão – AfroReggae – Vigário Geral
Canada: The CN Tower, Toronto
China: Former Kowloon-Canton Railway Clock Tower & The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, Hong Kong
England: The London Eye
Ireland: The Mansion House, Dublin
South Africa: Table Mountain, Cape Town

United States:

New York: The Empire State Building, New York Stock Exchange, NASDAQ MarketSite Tower in Times Square
San Francisco: City Hall, Ghiradelli Square, the JW Marriott
Chicago: The Wrigley Building
Washington D.C.: The Hirshhorn Museum
Portland: The Morrison Bridge
Atlanta: City Hall
Dallas: The Joule Hotel
Salt Lake City: The City & County Building
Atlantic City: Harrah’s Casino
Miami: Fountainebleau Hotel
Providence: Providence City Hall, Bank of America Skating Rink, Biltmore Hotel, G-Tech, Dunkin Donuts Center, RI Convention Center, One Financial Plaza (2 buildings), RI State House, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Trinity Repertory Theatre)

The Empire State Building

The London Eye

City Hall, San Francisco

Sydney Harbour Bridge

Sydney Opera House

Table Mountain, Cape Town

YOU ASK. WORLD LEADERS ANSWER.

noreply@blogger.com (Join Red) — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 18:18:00 +0000

Submit your questions to President George W. Bush, President Clinton, Bono & Alicia Keys about "The Beginning of the End of AIDS."

Get ready to take part in one of the largest World AIDS Day online events ever. Next Thursday - December 1st – is World AIDS Day and (RED), ONE and an impressive list of partners and influencers are hosting a live broadcast event with an amazing group of people – and we want you at the table, too.

The event, "The Beginning of the End of AIDS," is a live discussion powered by YouTube, featuring former President George W. Bush, President Bill Clinton, Bono, Alicia Keys and more. The panel – with help from partners at the Tema Clinic in Ghana, Keep a Child Alive, the Bush Foundation, Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, the Saddleback Church and others - will tackle key questions on the fight against AIDS including where we are today, where we're falling short and what it's going to take to end this preventable disease for good.

This is where you come in: we need your questions for the panel. Take a minute to watch this video from ONE CEO Michael Elliott below and visit www.youtube.com/TheONECampaign to submit your question on our YouTube channel now. Once you're done, spread the word and ask your friends and family to vote on your question so we can present it to our distinguished panel.

We are at a critical time in the fight against AIDS. We could be looking at the Beginning of the End of AIDS if certain steps are taken. It's truly unbelievable and this event will be a monumental occasion. So, be sure to ask your question now and mark your calendar for Thursday, December 1st from 10 to 12 p.m. ET to join our online YouTube event.

Support World AIDS Day: Constellation and (RED) present The Carrier

noreply@blogger.com (Join Red) — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 18:01:00 +0000

By Maggie Betts, Director, The Carrier

The idea behind World AIDS Day is as simple and straight-forward as it is so extraordinarily inspiring. Held on the first of December each year, it is a unique opportunity for people all across the globe to stand together and lend their support in the fight against this ongoing epidemic, as well as pay tribute to the some 30 million people whom the world has already lost and all their cherished memories. For myself and my amazing colleagues at both (RED) and Constellation, we also knew that we wanted to do something quite special and meaningful on this particular World AIDS Day 2011 -I know I speak for us all when I say that there's never been a more exciting time to actively engage with the symbolic message of the day, nor has there ever been as much momentum as there truly is right now, to create a new AIDS Free Generation by 2015 globally.

As many may know, my film The Carrier, which will be playing in two one night only showings on Constellation.tv/carrier with proceeds going to the Global Fund to fight AIDS in Africa, also tells a very simple and poignant story. It is the story of one helplessly determined and HIV positive woman, living in the middle of rural Zambia, who becomes pregnant and will do literally anything to protect her baby from AIDS. At the same time it's also meant to be a metaphor for all the extraordinary potential we now hold, to achieve an AIDS Free world for all our children.

So I hope that everyone who reads this blog might take a moment to click here and purchase a $4.99 ticket to watch THE CARRIER on December 1st. I also hope you'll join us in celebrating this truly inspiring moment by supporting (RED)’s current campaign that focuses on virtually eliminating the transmission of HIV from moms to their babies by 2015.

Buy your ticket here: www.constellation.tv/carrier