January 14, 2008
(PRODUCT) RED.
For anyone not in the know, (PRODUCT) RED is about helping make a difference in Africa. When you purchase anything under the (PRODUCT) RED umbrella, the retailer will donate up to 50% to the Global Fund to help women and children affected by HIV/AIDS.
The program has been around at The Gap for awhile, but now Hallmark is getting in on the action with (PRODUCT) RED cards, gift wrap and merchandise. I hit up a store Friday and was really impressed with the design behind everything and managed to pick up a few cards myself. Check it out and support the cause.
mikelite
January 14, 2008 at 5:23 pmI dunno Kelly. I feel like this whole Product RED thing is too much shopping, not enough donating. Shopping isn’t the answer to everything (i.e. terrorists gonna win unless you hit the malls! feeling guilty about people in Africa? Go buy a new cell phone!)
It’s always hazy how much of the purchase price goes to the cause and how much of it stays with the shop. We should be directing our cash to places like Kiva.org where you cut out the middleman and get straight to the cause.
Kelly
January 14, 2008 at 5:44 pmMike –
I think those are some valid points. But I also think that if something like (PRODUCT) RED is getting large corporations involved (ie: Motorola, Apple, etc.) as they are, then I’m all for it.
Making a donation directly is something altogether different in my mind. This project is getting people who might not ever consider such an action involved in the cause.
As far as how much goes towards the cause, every shop involved with (P)R is really upfront about it. For example, The Gap donates 50%, while Hallmark only donates 8%.
Thanks for the tip about Kiva.org!!
K
*jw*
January 28, 2008 at 1:59 amI work in the design department @ Hallmark. I was so happy to see our (RED) product on your blog! Glad you like it.