Tag Archives: aids

The Christmas gift with a conscience

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The Christmas gift with a conscienceHIV:ADIS

Think HIV/AIDS isn’t a problem anymore? AIDS is the leading cause of death for teenagers in Africa and the second leading cause of death among teenagers globally. 

 Introducing the Christmas gift with a conscience: Styloko.com and the new Red Box Shop: http://redboxshop.styloko.com/  for Christmas in aid of MTV Staying Alive Foundation

The Styloko concept is simple; a pop up online store selling a plethora of fabulous Red Boxes perfect for anyone with a serious love of fashion and culture. Each box is filled with desirable products, including jewellery, make-up, watches and even beautiful books, kindly donated by leading brands such as Chanel, The Cambridge Satchel Company, Timex, Radley, Fake Bake, Swatch, Kendra Scott Jewelry and Dana Rebecca Designs.

All proceeds from The Red Box Shop are going to aids projects around the world, particularly in Africa.  HIV/AIDS is still a  devastating global disease and the second leading cause of death among teenagers globally. The store will run through the 20th of December.

Every single penny/cent from the sale of the red boxes will go straight to helping raising global awareness for HIV/AIDS.

@mtvstayingalive  @styloko

The mission of the MTV Staying Alive Foundation is to stop the spread of HIV before it starts. They provide funding and training to youth-led HIV-prevention projects around the world, helping them develop the skills to build innovative, culturally relevant and sustainable organisations that lead the fight against HIV on the ground.  Their relationship with MTV means that the ground-breaking content they produce reaches millions of young people globally.

 Since the international grants and training programme was established in 2005, they have given US $5.3 million to over 500 youth-led projects in 66 countries, directly educated 2.7 million young people on HIV, distributed 7 million condoms and tested 200,000 young people for HIV.

 

 

Come Together For HIV & AIDS: TV Advert Celebrates The Joys of Safe Sex

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INTERNATIONAL HIV/AIDS ALLIANCE LAUNCH RISQUE AND REFRESHING FIRST TV AD

Hot new TV advert celebrates the joys of safe sex

• New ‘Come Together’ advert for the International HIV/AIDS Alliance features a mix of sexualities, races, genders and ages in the throes of passion.

However there is a very serious underlying message.

• Ad marks climax of global Valentine’s Day fundraising campaign by the charity to highlight the importance of safe, protected sex and of HIV prevention, treatment, care and support services.

• New advert is a risqué and refreshing approach to charity fundraising advertising in a bid to highlight the continued importance of addressing the HIV epidemic.

SEX – but not the usual… This Friday evening sees a new approach to safe sex and charity fundraising with the broadcast of the International HIV/AIDS Alliance‘s first ever TV advert. The risqué and refreshing ad, which is airing for one night only, has been created in a bid to highlight the continued importance of addressing the HIV epidemic, an issue which the charity believes has fallen off the public agenda in recent years.

aids

The visually arresting 60-second advert depicts a mix of sexualities, races, genders
and ages in the throes of passion.

The advert will be airing on Friday night for one night only with Channel Four leading the way at 11.05pm. It is part of the International HIV/AIDS Alliance’s ‘Come

Together’ campaign and has a very serious underlying message. It is designed to both highlight the importance of safe sex and unite people in an effort to end AIDS.

cometogether

Every year, around 2.3 million people are diagnosed with HIV and 1.6 million die of AIDS-related causes. The advert asks viewers to donate money in order to save lives and prevent the spread of HIV around the world.

The first 5,000 people to donate £20 will also receive a ‘Come Together’ box in time for Valentine’s Day which is very much in keeping with the ad’s spirit. The box is designed to celebrate the joys of safe sex and contains a condom as well as a variety of sensual products including a luxury feather tickler, a blindfold and lubricant

Here are some quotes from the actors who took part:

 

Tim, 55, actor
“When Helen and I first arrived at the shoot we had no idea what we were going to do – but then Helen picked up the whip, I donned the fishnets, faked an orgasm and it all came (excuse the pun) naturally! I was fairly innocent in the 80s, but the message then was very different – casual sex without protection was widely accepted, until people were made aware of the dangers of contracting HIV. Now it’s much clearer that people can do whatever they like, provided they are taking sensible precautions with protecting themselves – which is what I took home from the shoot”.
 
Helen, Television/Theatre Actress
“I was in the entertainment industry when the AIDS taboo was prevalent, and scaremongering was rife. I  sadly lost  some of my dear friends to the disease/virus. This is why I was so drawn to taking this part in the ad – to increase awareness that HIV / AIDS shouldn’t have the stigma of a ‘gay’ disease – it affects the international community, no matter what colour, creed, sex or whatever. People should be educated about AIDS, not made to fear it.”
 

The first ever advert from the International HIV/AIDS Alliance has already set tongues wagging amongst industry experts.

Jo Hodges, Head of the Advertising Faculty at London College of Communication

“Historically the advertising campaigns surrounding AIDS only appeared to target the gay community. However, the Come Together ad shows couples of every sexual orientation enjoying sex from every angle and in turn produces what I think is one of the most provocative ads I have ever seen.

This is a welcome and urgently needed departure that doesn’t feel reproachful. Instead it is an open celebration of the joys of safer sex that targets people of all different ages, sexual orientations/preferences and genders.”

Awo Ablo, Director of External Relations at the International HIV/AIDS Alliance said:

“We’ve created a campaign that celebrates safe sex, in all its forms, in a way that’s open, honest and off-beat – and that positions it as a natural and wonderful part of everyday life. We wanted to create an experience that would resonate with people of all different identities. Safe sex should be available to everyone, it can save lives.

“We appreciate that this ad is risqué , but we hope it doesn’t shock or make people feel uncomfortable. The underlying message is vital.We have to communicate that AIDS is a very real problem for people who do not get the care and support that they need, it can mean illness, isolation and death. We need to raise awareness and funds in order to provide the services that people around the world need.”

What do you think?

 

PR Fired After Racist Aids Tweet

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Justine Sacco, formally the head of corporate communications for Barry Diller’s New York-based internet empire InterActive Corp, has been fired after a racist tweet which went viral while she was in the air for an 11-hour flight from London to Cape Town, where she flew to be with her family over Christmas. Sacco issued a statement on Sunday to the Star newspaper in South Africa. She also deleted the tweet and then her entire twitter account after landing. The tweet (below) was retweeted over 2000 times and went viral after Buzzfeed picked it up and the hashtag #HasJustineLandedYet trended.

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In her statement Sacco said she was in “anguish knowing that my remarks have caused pain to so many people. Words cannot express how sorry I am, and how necessary it is for me to apologize to the people of South Africa, who I have offended due to a needless and careless tweet.

There is an AIDS crisis taking place in this country, that we read about in America, but do not live with or face on a continuous basis. Unfortunately, it is terribly easy to be cavalier about an epidemic that one has never witnessed firsthand.”

Sacco was born in South Africa and her father still lives there.

And the best response is this tweet from Ellie mac @ellenmc

 

What do you think?

Le Gala Des Dames

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Le GALA des DAMES is a red carpet gala event hosted with the support of the French Embassy in UK on Sunday August 25th 2013, 8:00pm – 6:00am in CRIMSCOTT HALL, 18-19 CRIMSCOTT STREET, LONDON, SE1 5TE. Profits generated on the night will go in support of the JACKSON FAMILY FOUNDATION, a non-profit organisation (chaired by Joseph Jackson) that, besides caring for the legacy of the Jackson family, also supports charitable cultural, social and educational projects. Funds raised at Le GALA des DAMES will be devoted to stop the spread of AIDS in Africa. Another charity, also been announced to be benefiting from the event, is the Guinean Fraternity UK.
PAUL ERICK TRESOR (PE Promotions)
The gala, at its second edition, is organised by Paul Erick TRESOR and Sandrine POCH founders of PE Promotions.  The event was originally born with the intent of commemorating African ladies, to create a platform of unity, appreciation and exposure for their efforts. This year Le GALA des DAMES has been attracting so many attentions, from high profile personalities, celebrities, press and even nominees from non-African cultures, that the organisers are intending to expand the event more and more in support to all women no matter their origins. Performing on the night will be, ambassador of the

Le GALA Des DAMES. WES MADIKO(1)

JACKSON FAMILY FOUNDATION, WES MADIKO known among Western audiences for “In Youpendi” a song from The Lion King II Soundtrack. Zouglu Royalo, Chantal Ayssi, Vanessa Kompressor, Ashley Abigo, Astride Costa will be the other musicians performing on the night. During the gala night, out of all the ladies being put forward as nominees, eight will be awarded. Nomination categories include: “Best Business Woman of the Year”, “Young Achievers”, “Inspirational | Role Model”, “Best Media Person”, “Outstanding Mother”, “Best Women Organisation”, “Queen of Le Gala des Dames”. PAULINE LONG, founder of the BEFFTA Awards, is one of the most high profile ladies being nominated “Best Business Woman of the Year|”.

Le GALA Des DAMES e-flyer

Confirmed in attendance, in support of the event cause, popular Fashion model and jackof-all-trades, DANISH WAKEEL; celebrity burlesque performer, CHRYS COLUMBINE; upcoming Fashion designer, Maria Thukas (INONECTIMA), celebrity personal stylist NATALIE ROBINSON, singer JORDANA MBA, PATRICIA INDER; expected in attendance, other profile people like Normki Anderson, Miss Arab World and many more! During the night expect the unexpected… there will be an Hollywood theme similar to the Oscars night with red carpet photo shoot; roses to each lady, three course dinner with champagne, music, dance, press, TVs and even surprise goodie bags sponsored by award winning Beauty Salon, CUCUMBA, DERMALOGICA, STYLE ICON, MARY KAY and MYA MINERAL MAKEUP.

Dress code: evening gown |glamorous for ladies, tuxedo | dinner jacket for men.

Elton John AIDS Foundation Joins up With Grey Goose.

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Grey Goose is the official vodka partner of the Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF) and is committed, through a series of fundraising events and on-going project support, to building on the pioneering work that the Foundation undertakes.  Having raised more than £2.3M for the Foundation to date, the Grey Goose and EJAF’s relationship continues to go from strength to strength.

In support of EJAF this Summer, Grey Goose will be hosting a series of unique consumer events taking place across the country- ‘Taste By Appointment’ .

The campaign introduces two tools designed to educate cocktail lovers about how to ensure the best possible drinking experience: Taste by Appointment consumer events and GreyGooseTaste.com, a website dedicated to helping users find their perfect cocktail.

The campaign is aimed at helping cocktail lovers discover how to select a cocktail that is perfectly suited to their own personal taste and will be a bit like what happened in the world of coffee where consumers moved on from black or white coffee to a full understanding of their personal preferences and choice of coffee options, from latte to skinny cappuccino with a twist etc.
Upcoming events are:
  • Hakkasan, Fitzrovia – 1 July
  • Rhodes Twenty Four – 2 July
  • Wyld Bar – 3 July  (100% of ticket price for this event goes to EJAF in support of upcoming Gay Pride week)
  • Nobu –6 July
  • Quo Vadis –10 July
Tickets are priced at £75 and are available to buy at the ‘Grey Goose Taste’ website (greygoosetaste.com) 25% of each ticket sold will go directly to EJAF so it really is drinking for a good cause!

 

 (Nobu is £150 but has a five course meal included with cocktails created to perfectly compliment each dish served)

Mary J Blige Joins Forces With Belvedere Vodka and RED to Help Save Lives

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Award-winning, multi-platinum singer Mary J Blige will be performing at a private pre-Grammy event on February, 9th 2012 to celebrate the partnership of Belvedere, the world’s first super premium vodka and (RED)(TM).

The exclusive performance will be followed by a private party at Bardot, Los Angeles to help raise awareness around HIV/AIDS and emphasize the need for consumers to unite in support of programs that help eliminate HIV and AIDS in Africa.

In winter 2011, BELVEDERE Special Edition bottle launched to raise proceeds for the Global Fund to fight HIV/AIDS. The (RED) inspired packaging will contain the same unadulterated and naturally smooth Belvedere vodka enthusiasts have always enjoyed. 50% of Belvedere’s profits from the global sale of BELVEDERE RED will contribute to the Global Fund.

Mary J Blige said: “I’m delighted to be supporting RED in their fight against HIV & AIDS in Africa. It is one of the most devastating issues faced by millions in Africa and if we can raise awareness with this event and encourage people to buyRED, we’ll be one step closer to an HIV / AIDS free generation in 2015.”

Fans can watch the party build up and Mary J Blige’s performance live via Facebook at approximately 10.45pm (PST). The event will be streamed to http://www.facebook.com/belvederevodka. Media can download images and B-Roll footage from the event at 6am Friday 10th February 2012, please visit http://www.epklink.com/BelvedereRedWithMaryJBlige

Lady Gaga Tops Good Celebrities List.

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Lady Gaga Tops DoSomething.org’s ‘Top 20 Celebs Gone Good’ List; Sophia Bush Named ‘Fan Favorite’, Bieber Shoots up the Rankings this Year; New Trend is Couples

DoSomething.org, one of the largest U.S. organizations that helps teens take action on causes they care about, it released its fourth annual ‘Top 20 Celebs Gone Good’ list.

Lady Gaga continues her reign as the star who uses her celebrity to do the most good. Known for her support of gay rights, AIDS, and poverty, she focused primarily this year on bullying, even taking her thoughts to the White House in December. She also announced the creation of her own charity, the Born this Way Foundation, which aims to empower youth and lead them to a brave new society where each individual is accepted and loved as the person they were born to be.

Making a meteoric rise to number two this year is Justin Bieber , up from number 10 last year. His fast rise is due to his prolific work with Pencils of Promise, an organization that builds schools in Laos and Guatemala. Justin is also a consistent supporter of Make-A-Wish, raised funds for charity with his fragrance and holiday album, and recently distributed $100,000 to Whitney Elementary School in Las Vegas.

“There are some interesting trends from this year’s list,” says Aria Finger, COO of DoSomething.org. “It’s dominated by young celebrities and we also see so many couples. Last year the list had its first power couple, Ashton and Demi who have now broken up, and this year there are a total of four couples. Doing good is definitely fun in groups.”

For the first time ever, DoSomething.org’s panel of social media and mobile experts incorporated Facebook voting to help them determine the impact of celebrities reaching an audience with their cause. The criteria stipulated giving money wasn’t enough to count as creating impact; instead, a celebrity needed to take an action others could emulate, like writing articles, building houses, or founding an organization. Facebook fans voted Sophia Bush as the first ‘Fan Favorite.’

The 2011 ‘Top 20 Celebs Gone Good’ list:

1. Lady Gaga
2. Justin Bieber
3. George Clooney
4. Will & Jada Pinkett Smith
5. Leonardo DiCaprio
6. Matt Damon
7. Ellen DeGeneres
8. Brad Pitt & Angelina Jolie
9. Dwight Howard
10. Demi Lovato
11. Shakira
12. Ashton Kutcher & Demi Moore
13. will.i.am
14. Blake Shelton & Miranda Lambert
15. Nick Cannon
16. Lea Michele
17. Daniel Radcliffe
18. Miley Cyrus
19. Coldplay
20. Taylor Swift

“There are a handful of other celebrities who just missed the cut-off this year,” notes Finger. “We look forward to seeing what they will do in 2012.” Current speculations and predictions from DoSomething.org include:

* Will Jay-Z and Beyonce, Rihanna, and Justin Timberlake each use their massive popularity and talent for social change next year?
* How will Zoey Dechanel use her new star power for good?
* We suspect Bieber’s good heart will rub-off on Selena Gomez and catapult her to the list next year.
* With Tim Tebow being the most talked about athlete of 2011, we’re excited to see how he uses his celebrity for good in the coming year.

To determine the rankings, DoSomething.org used its research team and an expert panel, who focused on three elements: popularity, influence, and impact. The first two were calculated using each celebrity’s number of Twitter followers and Facebook likes, as well as their IMDB Pro Scores, Billboard Social 50 ranking, and number of ChaCha inquiries.

For full list and celebrities’ individual charitable impact, visit: Celebrities doing good.

Yahoo! Offers Chance To Win The Ultimate Sports Prize

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Play the Yahoo! Penalty Shootout Online Game for the opportunity to win tickets to sixteen of the world’s greatest sporting events

Participate on First Day of World Cup and Yahoo! Will Contribute Up To $100,000 to Help Eliminate AIDS in Africa

London, June 10, 2010

If you could attend any sporting event in the world, which would you choose? Who would you take? All questions for anyone who plays to win the ultimate sports prize, the Yahoo! Sports Pass. The prize will give one lucky winner two tickets to 16 of the world’s greatest sporting events, four events per year for four years. In addition to allowing the winner to pick the events of their choice, the Yahoo! Sports Pass also includes travel and accommodation for each event.

To win the Sports Pass prize, play Yahoo! Penalty Shootout, an online game that allows you to face off against friends, other fans and rivals in a virtual penalty kick competition. Fans in more than 16 countries will be able to play the game at http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/world-cup/penalty-shootout/ for a chance to win the Yahoo! Sports Pass.

The Penalty Shootout contestants with the two highest scores in the world at the end of the online competition will be flown to Brazil to compete in a real live penalty shootout featuring famous England and Arsenal goalkeeper David Seaman. The winner with the highest number of kicks against Seaman will be awarded the Yahoo! Sports Pass.

“The penalty shootout is always the most intense, highly charged aspect of any football competition,” said Andrew Cocker, Yahoo!’s UK Head of Marketing. “For the winners of the Yahoo! Penalty Shootout promotion, the stakes could not be higher – a prize that any sports fan would love – tickets to 16 of the biggest sporting events in the world. The final challenge is to beat David Seaman: a big test for the ultimate sports prize.”

In addition to trying to win the ultimate sports prize, fans that play Yahoo! Penalty Shootout for (RED) on the first day of the World Cup will help eliminate HIV/AIDS in Africa.  For every goal scored on June 11, Yahoo! will contribute USD $1, up to USD $100,000, to the Global Fund, the recipient of (RED) monies. Since 2006 (RED) has been engaging business and consumers to help eliminate AIDS in Africa and to date (RED) partners and events have generated $150 million for the Global Fund. For more info about (RED) visit www.joinred.com

The Yahoo! Penalty Shootout game is another example of Yahoo! bringing innovation to the world’s largest sporting event. In addition to online games, Yahoo! is providing fans with a variety of compelling World Cup tools and content:

  • Get a quick snapshot of the latest World Cup information with new rich shortcuts in Yahoo! Search results – photos, videos, schedules, live scores, stats, team information and news at your fingertips.
  • Download the Yahoo! Toolbar to stay on top of World Cup action with real-time scores, schedules and breaking news. Be the ultimate fan and customise toolbars with country-themed skins.
  • Predict winners for each round with Yahoo Fantasy Football (http://uk.wc.fantasysports.yahoo.com/world-cup ), a pick’em style fantasy football game. This is Yahoo!’s largest global launch of a fantasy product. Fans can play the game in 22 countries in 11 languages.
  • Predictalot from Yahoo! Labs, a fun experiment that puts the “wisdom of the crowd” about the World Cup to the test. Predictalot lets fans in every country make millions of interesting predictions, like “How many teams from Europe will advance to the quarterfinals? or “Will a country that has never won before win it all this year?”
  • Receive World Cup updates on-the-go with Yahoo!’s seamless online and mobile experiences. Visit m.yahoo.co.uk and enjoy comprehensive up-to-the minute scores, schedules, standings, news, player profiles and more.