RED: Still Making Headlines
In this MSN Technology blog, the idea and effectiveness of Product (Red) is explored.
Some feel the only way to get money to Africa is by selling products on its behalf; others feel that’s just a greedy way for Americans (and Europeans, in this case) to take a cut of what could be a total donation.
My opinion is that if it brings awareness about the continent to those who may otherwise know nothing about it, or inspires one to learn more, or is the only way said persons-with-the-pocketbooks will give to that specific emergency, then it’s only a positive.
What do you think?
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I think (RED) is still relevant and makes a real difference in $$$. Many corporations also do this for local charities, local community, or other foundations & causes. It complements charitable giving rather than functioning as a replacement for charitable giving, which it wasn’t meant to do. (ie) If someone’s going to by an iPod, why not the Product (RED) one that gives back a portion of sales, rather than a different color and no donation. Its an option for the consumer and a good one – or as good as the products that are marketed. I’d also add that events like the (RED) Art Auction was brilliant!
Anyway, I say keep it up! And keep adding interesting products for the consumer too, to keep interest.
I believe RED is a worthwhile cause for a number of reasons. First, as mentioned by Tassoula, it brings awareness to people within their own realities that would otherwise be overlooked. Computers, iPODs, GAP clothing, etc.; these are a fact of life in our society. I also agree with p8ru2, though, about the products offered. The choices of participating products should be expanded, perhaps to include more “everyday” purchases. Companies may only see this as an increase in their contributions to RED, however, it may also result in an increase in sales. An important point to note about RED that is not readily available unless consumers choose to dig deeper: RED operates through the Global Fund that awards funding to grant proposals submitted by locally designed projects that are implemented by the individual communities/countries that are experiencing, first hand, the devastating problems. And the money continues to be awarded periodically only when measurable results have been verified. This ensures that the donations are truly effective; something that if consumers were aware of up front, would likely encourage them to participate. If RED funds would increase, then maybe additional, meaningful projects could be funded that would perhaps expand the scope of disease prevention and treatment, such as the cultivation of the Artemesian tree that produces the active ingredient in a highly effective malaria drug, or the growth of nutritious foods, because all the drugs in the world won’t work on malnourished individuals. The Global Fund has already awarded an astounding amount of money with great results and there’s still so much possibility. As a means of raising money through you and I, I say RED is a good thing, because in the end, We Are ONE…