RED was founded in 2006 by Bono and Bobby Shriver to get businesses and people involved in the fight against AIDS. RED was created to help provide a sustainable flow of money from the private sector to fight AIDS.
They raised over $215 million to date through the sale of RED products from iconic companies – like Apple and Starbucks – and from RED events. And 100% of that money goes to work on the ground.
RED Apple Products
U2 lead singer Bono revealed that Apple has so far raised over $65 million for his Product Red fund. According to the frontman, Apple is “certainly leading the crew” of companies that contribute to the initiative. Support Apple Product Red for AIDS research.
Since it first debuted a special edition Product RED iPod nano in 2006, Apple has released a number of RED devices, including several iPod Nanos and shuffles. The company has also produced a RED iPad Smart Cover, iPad mini Smart Cover, and an iPhone Bumper, along with a new RED iPhone 5s case. For every RED product bought, Apple donates a portion of the purchase price to the charity.
Since joining the charity campaign in 2006, Apple has steadily released Product Red iPods, cases, and other accessories, with portions of each sale going towards the fight against AIDS. Its first offering was a 4GB iPod nano, and subsequent releases have included the iPod touch, iPod shuffle, iPad smart covers, and a bumper case for the iPhone 4S.
AIDS Statistics
In just over 30 years, AIDS – which is preventable and treatable – has killed more than 36 million people. Today, of the 35 million people in the world living with HIV. 9.7 million people have access to life-saving treatment that costs about 40 cents a day. While this is progress as only 400,000 had access to the drugs in 2003, we’ve still got a lot of work to do to get the medicine to all those who need it.
Because of the progress made in the fight against AIDS, the world is now on the cusp of an incredible possibility – the virtual elimination of HIV transmission from moms to their babies by 2015. Every day 700 babies are born with HIV. Yet with access to antiretroviral treatment, we can prevent the transmission of the virus from moms to babies. Without it, 50% of babies will die before their second birthday.
One great colour. One great cause.
*World AIDS Day, observed on 1 December every year, is dedicated to raising awareness of the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection. Government and health officials observe the day, often with speeches or forums on the AIDS topics. Since 1995, the President of the United States has made an official proclamation on World AIDS Day. Governments of other nations have followed suit and issued similar announcements.
About Apple Product Red
For 14 years, our partnership with (RED) has led to almost US$250 million in donations to fund HIV/AIDS treatment programs. From now until 30 June, Apple is working with (RED) to redirect 100 per cent of eligible proceeds from (PRODUCT)RED purchases to the Global Fund’s COVID‑19 Response. This will provide critical support to health systems most threatened by the outbreak and, in turn, help preserve life-saving HIV/AIDS programs in sub‑Saharan Africa. https://www.apple.com/au/product-red/
