Apple today announced that more than 400 of its retail stores around the world will turn their logos red over the next week in support of World AIDS Day.
For every purchase made with Apple Pay at an Apple retail store, on Apple.com, or through the Apple Store app between World AIDS Day on December 1 and December 7, Apple said it will make a $1 donation to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria. Last year, donations were capped at $1 million.
"Connecting through our products and services helps make it easy for our customers to join us in the effort to create the first AIDS-free generation," said Lisa Jackson, Apple's vice president of Environment, Policy and Social Initiatives. "By working with (RED) to stop the transmission of HIV from moms to their unborn babies, we're already seeing a significant impact in areas where help is needed most. We're committed to continuing the fight and empowering future generations through these vital efforts."
Additionally, on Worlds AID Day, the App Store's Today tab will feature stories dedicated to the cause, including a behind-the-scenes look at how developers are supporting the (RED) initiative, which seeks to raise awareness and funds to help eliminate HIV/AIDS in eight African countries.
Apple has supported (RED) for over a decade by selling various products and accessories in a special (PRODUCT)RED color. Apple donates a portion of the sales proceeds from these products to the Global Fund.
"Apple's commitment to the AIDS fight is unparalleled. It's not just the staggering $160 million raised for the Global Fund that has impacted many millions of lives, it's their ability to bring heat, awareness, energy and eyeballs to keep this issue front and center," said Deb Dugan, CEO, (RED). "Their unwavering support cannot be underestimated, and we thank every Apple employee for helping (RED) reach the milestone of half a billion dollars delivered to help end this disease."
Apple said it raised a record $30 million this year for the Global Fund, equating to 144 million days of medication that prevents the transmission of HIV from mothers to their unborn babies. (RED) has now raised over $500 million overall towards the fight against HIV/AIDS since its creation in 2006.
Note: Due to the political nature of the discussion regarding this topic, the discussion thread is located in our Politics, Religion, Social Issues forum. All forum members and site visitors are welcome to read and follow the thread, but posting is limited to forum members with at least 100 posts.