News

CEO Susan Smith Ellis Appears on FOX Business

Sat, 01 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

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Bono Speaks at the 2008 California Women's Conference

Thu, 23 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Bono's Letter in Elle Magazine

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

THE REAL DEAL

Everyone shops with an eye toward saving money these days-but it's just as easy to do so and save lives. An open letter from (RED)'s Bono

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ELLE asked me to turn this page (RED) to honor the fact that women are at the vanguard of a movement to stop the greatest health crisis in 600 years: HIV/ AIDS. First off, I want to ask you, Why is it that women are much less willing than men to accept a world where 5,500 people a day die from a preventable, treatable disease? Could it have something to do with that second X chromosome? Do we men have some gene that makes us look the other way- that gives us a penis but no conscience?

��Me, I don't believe in biological destiny. I think women care more because women bear more of the burden. Almost two thirds of Africans with AIDS are women. In South Africa, nearly 90 percent of new infections occurred in 15-to-24-year-old females. (I can't get my head around that fact, let alone get it out of my head.) I could fill this whole page with such numbers. but while statistics paint a picture, they don't tell a story. So here goes.

��Six years ago, I was traveling across Africa. AIDS at that time and place was a death sentence, taking out not just the youngest and oldest, who are always more vulnerable to disease, but also those in the prime of their lives-parents and others with important jobs to do. Communities were being stripped of teachers, doctors, nurses, farmers, businesspeople, builders- their workforce, their life force. In the worst hit parts of Uganda, nine-year-old girls were left in charge of raising their younger brothers and sisters. Orphans raising orphans. In the twenty-first century.

��The rest of the world made sympathetic noises-but did little more than that. Meanwhile, African AIDS activists were doing everything they could to stop the spread of the virus. During my trip, we met with a group in Johannesburg to see how we could support their work. One of the most surreal moments in my life-and there have been a few-took place in a canteen with 20 people, all of them HIV-positive, who spent every hour of every day traveling from place to place to warn of the dangers of HIV. These volunteers explained how the stigma of the disease puts people off getting tested, but the workshops they were doing at schools, businesses, and street corners were having a big impact. It was compelling stuff. The rest of us felt energized, uplifted.

��Then, at the end of our meeting, I overheard a quiet debate among the activists as to which of them would get the single course of antiretroviral therapy (ARVs) they'd just received. There were not enough life-saving pills to go round. And so, together, they had to decide who would get the pills and who would go without.

��I was stunned. These volunteers were doing their best to save others' lives-but could not save their own. Like firefighters rushing into a burning building and being consumed by the flames.

��Our science and technology, it turned out, were more advanced than our conscience. We in the West had the means to save lives, but we lacked the resolve.

��What can we do? Well, the short answer is: a lot. At the time of that trip, only 50,000 Africans had access to ARVs. That figure today is 2.1 million. That's because a lot of people have been doing a lot of things, in Africa and all over the world. In the face of the AIDS emergency, we've got to gang up on the problem.

��Which brings me, improbably, to shopping. Not everybody is able to march to the barricades-not everybody owns a pair of proper military boots -but there's something you can do even in Manolos. (RED) is the consumer wing of a much wider movement of activists, and consumers have more power than they realize. They have power in their pockets.

��(RED) raises money for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS-$120 million so far. That is enough to buy drugs for more than 750,000 people for a year. (RED) funds prevention and counseling programs as well as treatment, and is now the thirteenth biggest contributor to the Global Fund; it's giving more than many countries.

��The money comes from corporations doing the right thing-the (RED) thing. Some call it "conscious consumerism." The companies involved don't mark up their products to get you to pay a premium. They take a piece of the profits from every (RED) thing you buy, and they use it to buy lifesaving medication for those who can't afford it.

��(RED) meets consumers on the main street, on the high street, in the malls, online-and in magazines like this one. Some of the coolest brands have signed up, and depending on where you live, you can drink (RED), wear (RED), talk (RED), type (RED), and work (RED). You can also hear (RED)-through (RED)Wire, our subscription music service.

��As I said, it's just one flank of a much bigger army, but the (RED) brigade is pretty impressive. We have some amazing women involved-Scarlett Johansson, Gisele B�ndchen, Christy Turlington, Pen�lope Cruz, Julia Roberts, Alicia Keys, and Jennifer Garner. And some men who aren't bad, either-Kanye West, Djimon Hounsou, Chris Rock, and the great Steven Spielberg . Then there are the millions of men and women whose names we don't know, but whose (RED) purchases are doing nothing less than keeping people alive.

��I come from a line of traveling salesmen on my mother's side. One of them, my Uncle Jack, always told me that when you're making your pitch don't get the door slammed in your face. I know I'm in danger of that right now. These are tough times for a hard sell, hard to talk about shopping when everybody's belt-tightening. Everyone is more conscious than ever about where they spend their hard-earned cash. (RED) is not asking you to flock to the stores for the sake of it. But if you find yourselves browsing, we are asking you to choose (RED) where you can-for the sake of those who can't ask you themselves.

-Bono

Support the Global Fund With a Red Buggy from Bella Baby

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

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Elle Magazine Features Gisele for (RED)

Thu, 15 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

ELLE , FASHION HAS ITS HEART IN THE RIGHT PLACE!

In a publishing 'first' 30 Editions of Elle magazine team up with Bono, Gisele Bundchen and Scarlett Johansson in the fight against AIDS in Africa.

In just over 2 years, (PRODUCT)^REDTpartners and events have generated over 120 million USD to help eliminate AIDS in Africa. Now, the ELLE network will simultaneously feature (RED)^TMin more than thirty editions globally, with content provided by Gisele Bundchen, Scarlett Johansson and Bono.

By launching this large-scale initiative, ELLE is backing (RED) a brand created in 2006 by the lead singer of U2 and activist, Bono and Bobby Shriver, an American philanthropist, to help eliminate AIDS in Africa. Money is generated through the involvement of partner brands who design and sell specific (PRODUCT)^REDbranded products and contribute up to 50% of the profits to the Global Fund* to invest in African AIDS programs with an emphasis on the health of women and children.

The number of countries involved and the simultaneous publication of the features across the ELLE network make this a global 'first' in publishing. From mid-January to the end of February, ELLE will speak with one voice to more than 20 million readers through some thirty international editions.

The issue will appear on 17 January 2009 in ELLE France and in the February issues of 30 other international editions on sale in mid-January (except for the UK, Japan and Quebec editions which will be dated March 2009 and go on sale at the end of January).

About (RED)^TM and (PRODUCT)^REDT

(RED)'s primary objective is to engage the private sector in raising awareness and funds for the Global Fund, to help eliminate AIDS in Africa. Companies whose products take on the (PRODUCT)^RED mark contribute a significant percentage of the sales or portion of the profits from that product to the Global Fund to finance AIDS programs in Africa, with an emphasis on the health of women and children. Current partners are: American Express (U.K. only), Apple, Converse, Gap, Emporio Armani, Hallmark, Dell, Windows and Starbucks. Since its launch in the Spring of 2006, more than $120 million has been generated by (RED) for the Global Fund. (RED) money is at work in Swaziland, Rwanda, Ghana and Lesotho. For more information, visit http://www.joinred.com/

About The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria

Since its creation in 2002, the Global Fund has become the dominant financer of programs to fight AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria, with approved funding of US $15 billion for programs in 140 countries. The Global Fund supports programs based on agreed performance targets and disburses money in response to proven results. So far, programs supported by the Global Fund have averted more than 2.5 million deaths by providing AIDS treatment for 2 million people, TB treatment for 4.6 million people, and by the distribution of 70 million insecticide-treated bed nets for the prevention of malaria worldwide. For more information visit www.theglobalfund.org.

Susan Hanover Designs Joins (RED)

Wed, 15 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Susan Hanover Designs Joins (RED)^TM and Creates Two New (PRODUCT)^{RED^TM} Bracelets for the Holiday Season

October 15, 2008 - Today, jewelry designer Susan Hanover, who is a native of South Africa, announced that she has joined (RED) and will release two unique (PRODUCT)^RED bracelet designs just in time for the holiday season. Ms. Hanover's (PRODUCT)^RED wrist cuffs and signature stone-wired bangles are priced at $125 and $68 respectively. They are available at select retailers and through www.susanhanoverdesigns.com, and 50% of the profits from each sale will go directly to the Global Fund to help eliminate AIDS in Africa.

"The beauty found throughout Africa has inspired my creations and its people have touched my heart," said Ms. Hanover. "It is humbling to be able to combine my work with doing something that can benefit my homeland."

The (PRODUCT)^RED wrist cuff features two different colored stones; one a deep mahogany red, inspired by the Rooibos "red tea" grown in the Bush and consumed by several African tribes for its herbal remedies; and the other a vibrant fire red similar to the paint color that Ndembu warriors in Central Africa rub on themselves during celebrations as a symbol of life and health. The (PRODUCT)^RED stone-wired bangle includes two red jade stones in round and oval shapes, set on an undulating wire which reflects the ocean waters surrounding Africa.

For online purchase and for a list of retail locations carrying the Susan Hanover (PRODUCT)^RED bangle and cuff, please visit her website, www.susanhanoverdesigns.com.

Susan Hanover, a native of Johannesburg, South Africa, lived there until she was in her early twenties. This former lawyer turned jewelry designer fulfilled her lifelong passion for design and fashion by creating her company in 2005. Her international presence includes over 400 retailers and specialty shops carrying her recognizable earrings, bracelets and necklaces.

About (RED)^TM and (PRODUCT)^{RED^TM}

Since its launch in the Spring of 2006, more than $110 million has been generated by (RED) partners and events for the Global Fund. (RED) money is already at work in Swaziland, Rwanda, Ghana and Lesotho. For more information, visit www.joinred.com

About the Global Fund

Since its creation in 2002, the Global Fund has become the dominant financer of programs to fight AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria, with approved funding of US$10.7 billion for programs in 136 countries. The Global Fund supports programs based on agreed performance targets and disburses money in response to proven results. So far, programs supported by the Global Fund have averted more than two million deaths by providing AIDS treatment for 1.4 million people, TB treatment for 3.3 million people, and by the distribution of 46 million insecticide-treated bed nets for the prevention of malaria worldwide.

(RED)^TM is the Global Fund's largest private sector contributor.

Bono's Op-Ed Piece: Rebranding America

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

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USA Today: Subscriptions to (RED)WIRE Digital Music Will Fight AIDS

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

By Elysa Gardner, USA TODAY

The new digital music service co-founded by Bono, which promises fans exclusive music by major artists in exchange for $5 a month to fight AIDS, will launch on the 20th anniversary of World AIDS Day.

MSN will host Monday's kickoff event for (RED) Wire, an extension of the (RED) organization founded by the U2 frontman and Bobby Shriver to combat AIDS in Africa. New songs and videos from U2, Coldplay, Death Cab for Cutie, Dixie Chicks, Jay-Z, John Legend and Sheryl Crow will be available at red.msn.com.

For Legend, signing on "was a no-brainer. (RED) has proven an effective vehicle. And the lineup of artists is exciting company." The singer recorded a new version of Bob Marley's Redemption Song, "which just felt right for this project and for the time that we're in."

The premieres also include a live track from the upcoming Sundance series Spectacle, pairing Elvis Costello with The Police, and a new Christmas song recorded by The Killers and Elton John. Bob Dylan and R.E.M. are on deck for future editions.

"The goal was something that wasn't just a one-off CD, but an ongoing service that would generate an ongoing flow of money," says Hear Music founder Don MacKinnon, who conceived the project.

"I like that it stands alone as a creative and fun thing to both receive and participate in," says R.E.M. frontman Michael Stipe. "And it would be that with or without the charity aspect."

In addition to the superstar exclusives and collaborations, subscribers will receive a weekly spotlight track featuring a lesser-known artist. "I call it 'the artist we want everyone to hear,' " MacKinnon says. "It doesn't mean that they're a big buzz act or unsigned, but there will be some that very few people have heard of."

There's also a non-music feature that MacKinnon describes as "the Cracker Jack surprise. It could be an actor reading a favorite speech or poem, or telling a joke, or some great photography."

Subscribers will receive updates on how their donations are being used. "So many charities show a picture of a dusty village and ask you to send $10," MacKinnon says. "We want to give people a real window into the culture of Africa, something that can help them understand in deeper ways. We're trying to get cameras to teenagers, so they can show us their lives."

Half the fee will go the Global Fund, through which (RED) provides AIDS medicines for women and children. Most of the remainder goes to artist royalties.

Source: http://www.usatoday.com/life/music/2008-11-24-red-wire-music-aids-africa_N.htm

Bobby Shriver talks to CNBC about How (RED) Works

Wed, 06 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

US Plan for AIDS Relief: $48 Billion Bill Passed

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

One Step Closer to Universal AIDS Prevention and Care

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Read & Listen to Bono's Guest Op-Ed Piece in The New York Times

Sun, 11 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

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CEO Susan Smith Ellis Talks (RED) on CNBC

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

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Bono and Damien Hirst on Good Morning America

Sat, 16 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

(RED) TO LAUNCH NEW WAY FOR PEOPLE TO GET MUSIC

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The music business is known for supporting causes with events like the Live Aid and Live Earth concerts, which generate lots of money and publicity for a relatively short time. But on Monday (RED), a nonprofit organization that arranges for companies to contribute a share of profits on certain products to fight AIDS in Africa, is starting a digital music service for that purpose, and it plans to operate for the long haul. The new venture has already arranged to release new songs from U2, Bob Dylan, Elvis Costello, Elton John, Emmylou Harris and Death Cab for Cutie.

The still-unnamed service, which is scheduled to start in September, will deliver customers three new pieces of exclusive content a week for a monthly fee of $5. Half of that money will go through (RED) to the Global Fund, and the other half will go to the artists who contribute songs and to their record companies. As with (RED)'s branded products, like a special iPod and Motorola phone, companies will sacrifice part but not all of their profits, and consumers will know that some of the money they spend goes to the AIDS-in-Africa cause.

Each week (RED)'s service will deliver two songs in MP3 format, one from a superstar act like U2, whose frontman, Bono, was a co-founder of (RED), and one from a less established artist. The third piece of content will be a "crackerjack surprise," a song, video or short story. The idea is to appeal to Internet users who are interested in music but alienated by commercial radio or the chaos of some online music sites.

(RED)'s president for content, Don MacKinnon, previously put together music products for Starbucks, where he had success connecting with adult consumers. "The idea, then as now, is music discovery," Mr. MacKinnon said. "People want someone to send them music from artists they love as well as acts that are emerging."

Bono, in an e-mail message, said, "Don MacKinnon might just be the penicillin the ailing music business needs."

He added, "I have no doubt that some of the music software we are working on at (RED) will help change the way music is received, as well as changing the lives of Africans who will die without the AIDS drugs that (RED) can provide."

In the past (RED) has been criticized for not funneling enough AIDS relief compared with the amount of money that companies spend promoting the (RED)-branded products. But the organization's approach is to find businesses that can finance AIDS drugs in a sustainable way. A subscription music service that generates steady revenue would fit that approach.

Many music executives say they believe adults have trouble locating music on the Web that they will enjoy. "There's so much music out there now, and people aren't getting their information in the ways that they grew up with," Paul McGuinness, U2's manager, said. "I think there's quite an opportunity to help people keep current with music."

(RED)'s service will provide visuals along with the music. The artists can choose 30 images that they believe evoke their songs, and users will see them as the music plays. Listeners can then choose an image, separate from those chosen by the artists, that they think represents the song; when enough do so, subscribers will be able to play the song to a stream of images that other listeners have chosen.

(RED)'s music software will deliver updates on how the organization's money is being used in Africa. It will also encourage customers to share the service with friends and colleagues: subscribers can e-mail their friends an offer for a two-week free tryout.

(RED) will get some of its songs from "Spectacle: Elvis Costello With ...," a music-theme talk show that will make its debut on the Sundance Channel this fall. The organization will be able to use almost all the music performed by Mr. Costello and his guests, although it will not necessarily take all of it. "If you're going to create something," Mr. Costello said, "it's good to know that there's more to it than profit."