Apple stores to participate in World AIDS Day by promoting (RED) products

Posted:
in iPod + iTunes + AppleTV edited January 2014
Apple retail stores will observe World AIDS Day on Dec. 1 by drawing attention to its (RED) products, which raise money to fight AIDS in Africa, a new report claims.



ifoAppleStore reports that a "select group of Specialists will be wearing and promoting the (RED) iPod nano" to mark the day set aside for international AIDS awareness.



Apple sells 8GB and 16GB (RED) iPod nano models for $129 and $149, the same price as other models. A portion of the purchase price goes to the Global Fund to fight AIDS in Africa. The company also offers a (RED) leather iPad Smart Cover, Special Edition (RED) Beats by Dr. Dre Solo HD Headphones. A (RED) iTunes gift card is also rumored to be reintroduced at stores.



Managers will also reportedly use the (RED) Smart Covers for iPads as they go about their work on Thursday, and product shelves will feature signs promoting the Beats headphones, the report noted.



The Cupertino, Calif., released its seventh-generation iPod nano in early October. The device includes an "improved fitness experience," updated interface and a cheaper price.



The (RED) project was created by U2 lead singer Bono and Bobby Shriver in 2006. Apple joined in later that year with a (PRODUCT) RED Special Edition iPod nano.







Though Apple has at times been the object of criticism over a perceived lack of philanthropic endeavors, Bono praised late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs and the company in September for their contributions to the (RED) campaign. According to him, Apple has been the largest contributor to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS.



"This is serious and significant," Bono wrote. "And Apple's involvement has encouraged other companies to step up."



Apple also initiated a charitable contribution matching program for full-time employees this September that pledges to match up to $10,000 worth of donations per year. AppleInsider reported last month that Apple had already matched $1.3 million with the program in less than two months.



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Comments

  • Reply 1 of 23
    1) Is (RED) an effective charity or just really good at marketing?



    2) I'd buy a red anodized aluminium MBP.
  • Reply 2 of 23
    I don't understand whats wrong with fighting aids right here in the United States?
  • Reply 3 of 23
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by AdonisSMU View Post


    I don't understand whats wrong with fighting aids right here in the United States?



    This is fairly asinine. Of course there is nothing wrong it. Do you say that people from the US with aids should take precedence? I think first world countries have an obligation to support 3rd world countries (as well as their own), especially since exploiting these countries is whats lead to our wealth for the most part anyway.
  • Reply 4 of 23
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by AdonisSMU View Post


    I don't understand whats wrong with fighting aids right here in the United States?



    And why is Toto always blessing the rains down in Africa? What's wrong with blessing the rains here in the good ol' US of A?
  • Reply 5 of 23
    New Apple isn't very concerned about honoring the memory of Steve Jobs are they.
  • Reply 6 of 23
    tylerk36tylerk36 Posts: 1,037member
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by Firefly7475 View Post


    New Apple isn't very concerned about honoring the memory of Steve Jobs are they.



    Maybe then they should come out with a bondi blue iPod to help pay for cancer research in memory of Steve Jobs.
  • Reply 7 of 23
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by Firefly7475 View Post


    New Apple isn't very concerned about honoring the memory of Steve Jobs are they.



    And how exactly is that.



    You do understand that the whole matching program couldn't have been put together overnight. Just because it was announced under Tim Cook's command doesn't mean he thought it up and created it over night. Hell it might have been Steve's idea. And in keeping with Buddhism tenets that Steve would have studied that announcing your charity is not about giving but about your ego and pride, Apple hasn't really hyped the matching program. In fact, if not for employees anonymously leaking it to sites like this, we might not have ever known about it.



    It was Steve's idea to create the Red iPod and to keep making a Red iPod over the years. As well as the Red gift cards, the Red Smart cover etc.



    If anything they are very concerned with honoring his memory are are keeping the programs he started alive and well.
  • Reply 8 of 23
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by AdonisSMU View Post


    I don't understand whats wrong with fighting aids right here in the United States?



    It's kind of become just a treatable disease here. Which is good and bad. I remember the days when it was killing people left and right. People were pretty scared. But that might give us less urgency to find a cure. Maybe. In Africa lives can be saved with drugs, condoms and education.



    Also, I've never heard of someone saying its wrong to fight aids right here in the United States. We do. It seems like there's always some event to support it. Maybe breast cancer gets more support (save the ta-tas ) . And Bonos right here is Ireland (no not him)so I guess this project is a help thy neighbor deal for everyone.
  • Reply 9 of 23
    tylerk36tylerk36 Posts: 1,037member
    If you go to this web site it will show how many companies participate in Product Red. You will notice that Apple Inc has the most products compared to the other companies.



    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Product_Red



    On another note. I have noticed that there are people whom I have talked to who disagree with supporting Product red. Also I have done some online research. Mind you I don't agree with these but this is what I have heard and read. Here are some of the reasons.



    1) By supporting Product Red a person is questioning their sexuality. Basically they must be Gay if they support Product Red.



    2) Product Red shows the world that Homosexuality is OK.



    3) Product Red is a waste of time because the problem is bigger than the proceeds can support.



    The 1st and 2nd ones are from some religious groups. One person in particular believes that AID's is a God send. The disease is cleansing the earth of a lifestyle that is wrong and discussing. Of course in my opinion the very statement is extremely cruel and inhumane.



    The 3rd statement was said by many people who were quoted during a pol that was taken about Product Red and AID's in africa. There seems to be allot of doubt as to being able to give proof to where the money was going and accountability. This has been an attitude towards charities in general.



    But Apple has shown themselves to be a very caring organization. Not only do they contribute to charities they also support treating AID's in africa with their Product Red.



    I honestly think that Human kind needs to get their head outa their ass. Start opening their minds and show some loving compassion.
  • Reply 10 of 23
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by tylerk36 View Post


    If you go to this web site it will show how many companies participate in Product Red. You will notice that Apple Inc has the most products compared to the other companies.



    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Product_Red



    On another note. I have noticed that there are people whom I have talked to who disagree with supporting Product red. Also I have done some online research. Mind you I don't agree with these but this is what I have heard and read. Here are some of the reasons.



    1) By supporting Product Red a person is questioning their sexuality. Basically they must be Gay if they support Product Red.



    2) Product Red shows the world that Homosexuality is OK.



    3) Product Red is a waste of time because the problem is bigger than the proceeds can support.



    The 1st and 2nd ones are from some religious groups. One person in particular believes that AID's is a God send. The disease is cleansing the earth of a lifestyle that is wrong and discussing. Of course in my opinion the very statement is extremely cruel and inhumane.



    The 3rd statement was said by many people who were quoted during a pol that was taken about Product Red and AID's in africa. There seems to be allot of doubt as to being able to give proof to where the money was going and accountability. This has been an attitude towards charities in general.



    But Apple has shown themselves to be a very caring organization. Not only do they contribute to charities they also support treating AID's in africa with their Product Red.



    I honestly think that Human kind needs to get their head outa their ass. Start opening their minds and show some loving compassion.



    In my opinion:

    1) people judging others for helping a charity are ridiculous.

    2)homosexuality is ok. I think gays should be able to get married. I agree with Clint Eastwood on this one "I don't give a f**k who marries somebody".

    3)Bono was just talking with John Stewert about the millions of lives saved from this project fwiw. He also made a point of giving credit to a number of politicians for their help particularly in getting the drug companies to lower their prices. He especially thanked president bush. He wasn't my favorite president but credit where it's due. Many charities have trouble doing more good than business. There are really good ones too. I haven't heard where product red falls on the scale but my guess is it does a lot of good. It's pretty high profile and that usually means more scrutiny, not less. But like I said I don't know for sure.

    4) tell the religious zealots that it's straight people getting aids in Africa. And they're gods children.



    Edit: oh ya, heads outa asses, loving compassion. I meant to agree with that too.
  • Reply 11 of 23
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by AppleInsider View Post


    ?its seventh-generation iPod nano in early October. The device includes an "improved fitness experience," updated interface and a cheaper price.



    Other than the lower price, are those improvements all delivered by software ( and thus available on the preceding device)?
  • Reply 12 of 23
    mactacmactac Posts: 316member
    As soon as I saw Bono's name I lost interest. Bono goes around claiming that man is the cause of climate change and must stop using fossil fuels and producing CO2. But then he goes on with his own lifestyle of flying all over the place, etc, etc...
  • Reply 13 of 23
    adonissmuadonissmu Posts: 1,776member
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by joelsalt View Post


    This is fairly asinine. Of course there is nothing wrong it. Do you say that people from the US with aids should take precedence? I think first world countries have an obligation to support 3rd world countries (as well as their own), especially since exploiting these countries is whats lead to our wealth for the most part anyway.



    The people in the USA spend money that should go back into making the USA a better place to live...in this case through the finding of a cure for HIV. It's not the duty of the USA or companies in general to be funding countries in which we have no control over how the money is spent in said country.



    I think if people and companies like Apple put in the money for HIV research we'd find a cure....since there is not business motive for actually finding a cure and there is a business motive in keeping people on pills for the rest of their life rather than actually curing HIV.
  • Reply 14 of 23
    solipsismxsolipsismx Posts: 19,566member
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by AdonisSMU View Post


    I think if people put in the money for research we'd find a cure....since there is not business motive for actually finding a cure. However, there is a business in keeping people on pills for the rest of their life rather than actually curing HIV.



    Both are being done. It shouldn't be an either/or.
  • Reply 15 of 23
    adonissmuadonissmu Posts: 1,776member
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by SolipsismX View Post


    Both are being done. It shouldn't be an either/or.



    Where did I say anything about an either or? I said money spent in the USA should be used for people in the USA. I see so many things wrong right here in the USA. The US government can't afford to run itself, yet I see companies giving money to even more unstable and corrupt governments of Africa who have so many human rights violations going on (killing off gays, mistreatment of women & religious minorities) it's not even funny.
  • Reply 16 of 23
    solipsismxsolipsismx Posts: 19,566member
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by AdonisSMU View Post


    Where did I say anything about an either or? I said money spent in the USA should be used for people in the USA. I see so many things wrong right here in the USA. The US government can't afford to run itself, yet I see companies giving money to even more unstable and corrupt governments of Africa who have so many human rights violations going on it's not even funny.



    So now you want to prevent charities from using funds outside their countries? If you support a charity you should see how they operate. I'm sure you can find plenty of charities that work only in your country, or state, county, city or even town. You can even find charities that only operate for certain groups like children, the homeless or abused women.
  • Reply 17 of 23
    paxmanpaxman Posts: 4,729member
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by SolipsismX View Post


    1) Is (RED) an effective charity or just really good at marketing?



    2) I'd buy a red anodized aluminium MBP.



    Charity and marketing goes hand in hand. Hopefully the former drives the latter. If Apple produced an anodized MBP or a red iPhone and made them really cool an desirable, all power to them. If it means more sales beyond the red items, good for Apple - it might act as an incentive for other companies to create customer goodwill and increase profits while supporting good causes.



    But how effective RED is as a charity I don't know.
  • Reply 18 of 23
    Im going to play devils advocate:





    Think of all the effort the RED companies put into marketing, selling more products, than giving a "portion" of the profits to RED. Bono claims the RED program raised $200m in total. Wow lots of money right?



    http://www.joinred.com/aboutred/about_red__partners



    BUT



    WHAT IF these companies simply DONATED a portion of their corporate savings?

    e.g. Apple's war chest in the bank is $85B+ in the bank. EIGHTY FIVE BILLION folks.



    If Apple donated $1B, imagine what that would do for AIDS...
  • Reply 19 of 23
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by AdonisSMU View Post


    Where did I say anything about an either or? I said money spent in the USA should be used for people in the USA. I see so many things wrong right here in the USA. The US government can't afford to run itself, yet I see companies giving money to even more unstable and corrupt governments of Africa who have so many human rights violations going on (killing off gays, mistreatment of women & religious minorities) it's not even funny.



    You're human rights concerns seems to be at odds with your isolationist view.
  • Reply 20 of 23
    apple ][apple ][ Posts: 9,233member
    I will not be buying any (RED) products ever.



    It's not that I have anything in particular against AIDS research, it doesn't really concern me much one way or the other.



    It's just that I don't like the color red for my computer devices.
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