RED Comes to the USA - Fundraising for AIDS Charities

Motorola, along with US Cellular and Sprint Nextel have launched their AIDS fund raising initative in the USA, enabling customers to buy a handset and have the proceeds donated to AIDS charities. Gap, Motorola, Converse, Giorgio Armani and Apple are the first five companies to partner with (RED) in the USA. The partnerships include licensing the (PRODUCT) RED mark. MTV Networks has joined (RED) as the first media sponsor in the U.S. to help build the brand and create awareness.

(PRODUCT) RED launched in the United Kingdom earlier this year. Brands that license the (PRODUCT) RED mark make a five-year commitment to create unique (PRODUCT) RED products and contribute a significant percentage of sales or portion of profits from the sales of those products into Global Fund- financed AIDS programs with a special emphasis on women and children affected by AIDS in Africa.

Since the inception of the Global Fund in 2002, the private sector has contributed five million dollars versus US$4.9 billion from governments around the world. (RED) will create a new income stream into the Fund.

"AIDS in Africa is an emergency, that's why we chose the color Red. When you buy a (PRODUCT) RED product, the company gives money to buy pills that will keep someone in Africa alive. The idea is simple, the products are sexy and people live instead of die. It's consumer power at work for those who have no power at all," Bono, co-founder of (RED).

Specific plans and products for the U.S. launch of (PRODUCT) RED include the following:

As the exclusive worldwide wireless partner for (RED), Motorola is developing unique products and partnering with wireless operators to enable consumers to help fight HIV/AIDS in Africa. After its successful launch of the MOTOSLVR in the UK, the RED MOTORAZR and RED Bluetooth H500 headset are the first in a series of products in the U.S. to benefit The Global Fund.

Motorola is also announcing its first two carrier partners in North America.: Sprint and U.S. Cellular. The RED MOTORAZR will be available from both partners. In addition, The RED Bluetooth H500 headset is available for purchase online at motorola.com/red.

With each sale of a (PRODUCT) RED phone and headset, a direct contribution of US$17 and US$5 respectively will be made to the Global Fund by Motorola and its carrier partners. Motorola RED products will be rolling out internationally over the remainder of the year and into 2007."

Posted to the site on 16th October 2006