Apple to Fight AIDS, Donate Proceeds From Popular Apps, Games and Stores to (RED) Campaign on Black Friday, Cyber Monday 2014
In an effort to support World AIDS Day 2014, Cupertino, California-based Apple and other leading app developers announced the launch of an unprecedented two-week campaign "to help (RED) achieve the goal of an AIDS-free generation," according to a Nov. 23 press release.
Just under three weeks after CEO Tim Cook came out as gay in a Bloomberg Businessweek op-ed, the multinational digital distributor may be receiving a facelift in regards to its corporate image: A humanitarian charity concept founded by U2 front man Bono in 2006 with the help of Bobby Shriver of ONE/DATA, (RED) will hand over the campaign proceeds to The Global Fund for use in providing antiretroviral treatment to AIDS victims located primarily in Africa.
"Apple isn't just in the fight to end AIDS. They are setting a new bar for business, giving $75 million and counting to The Global Fund as part of their partnership with Red," Bono said in a statement.
Apple's senior vice president of software and services, Eddy Cue also released a statement on the campaign.
"We've been involved with (RED) from the beginning and have raised $75 million, but we were convinced there was an opportunity to get people to rediscover this cause," he said according to USA TODAY. "This time, it was about getting developers deeply involved. It couldn't just be veneer."
According to Business Insider, Apple will donate a portion of sales at Apple's app store, retail locations and online store around the world on two of the biggest shopping days of the year: Black Friday (Nov. 28) and Cyber Monday (Dec. 1). This comes only six months after Apple advanced 25 top-selling app developers in an effort to customize their products with fine-tuned (RED) themed exclusive content.
The Guardian reported that the campaign is subjugated by online games -- the most profitable category in the app store.
"Angry Birds will have a new Mighty Feathers power-up and bonus level; Clash of Clans will be selling special-edition Red gems, with players able to show a Red badge on their town hall; Monument Valley is selling a new Red-branded chapter; while Kardashian's game will sell Red-branded Beats headphones as a virtual item," the newspaper reported.
Bubble Witch Saga 2, CSR Racing, Cut the Rope 2, Despicable Me: Minion Rush, FarmVille 2, FIFA 15, Frozen Free Fall, Heads Up, Puzzle & Dragons, Rayman Fiesta Run, Sims FreePlay and Threes are also included in the promotion.
Ending Dec. 7, all proceeds from purchases of the 25 Apps for (RED) will be donated.
USA Today reports U.S. Apple stores and their online counterparts will provide consumers purchasing select products a special edition (RED) gift card on Black Friday (Nov. 28). A portion of the proceeds for this day will go to The Global Fund.
The same incident will occur again on Dec. 1, when World AIDS Day coincides with Cyber Monday.
"For eight years, our customers have been helping fight Aids in Africa by funding life-saving treatments which are having a profoundly positive impact," Cook said in a statement.
Subscribe to Latin Post!
Sign up for our free newsletter for the Latest coverage!
* This is a contributed article and this content does not necessarily represent the views of latinpost.com