New York – Apple Inc. (APPL) is doing its part as one of the biggest companies in the world, by supporting the fight against HIV ahead of World AIDS Day trough the RED Foundation, which is led by legendary the musician and U2 frontman, Paul Hewson, better known as Bono.
Starting next week, the RED merchandising lines will expand and with it, Apple is going to make a dollar donation with every payment and purchase made using the mobile app, Apple Pay. Another big name joining the initiative is Bank of America that is going to make contributions when their clients make those transactions using their credit cards.
Tim Cook, the current Apple CEO, made clear that the company sees a much bigger impact against HIV by putting on these campaigns instead of just writing a check since this cause is “worth much more than just money.” The company is no stranger to working side by side with the AIDS-fighting organization since its previous CEO and iconic personality, Steve Jobs, made his team work so much with them at the point that Apple is credited for almost half the raising of the RED Foundation.
App purchases will also be directed to the initiative for the week. This year will mark the tenth anniversary of Apple’s partnership with (RED) a combination that has helped over 70 million lives around all continents.
Play and Help
20 Apple Games Apps are also contributing to the campaign. They will all go RED and donate half of their sales to the 20 members foundation that will also direct its efforts into battling other diseases such as malaria and tuberculosis.
They will help provide essential medicines in countries like Ghana, Rwanda, Lesotho, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia, and Kenya. Some of the games helping are Angry Birds, Clash Of Clans, Candy Crush, FarmVille: Tropic Escape, Boom Beach, Clash Royale, FIFA Mobile, MARVEL Contest of Champions, Plants vs. Zombies, Heroes, and SimCity BuildIt.
Drinks, Musicians, everyone is on board!
Media has exclusively learned that over 400 of the biggest Apple Stores around the world would be lighting up in red and offering RED products and merchandise. The company will also release new gadgets with the RED theme such as an iPhone 7 Smart Battery Case, iPhone SE Case, Beats Solo 3 Wireless On-Ear Headphones and the Pill+ Portable Speaker. Also, adding their names to the effort are mammoth partners Beats, Coca-Cola, and Starbucks.
Notably, alternative rockers, The Killers are releasing an album under the campaign, called “Don’t Waste Your Wishes” and every coin from the project is being donated to the RED cause. Out now, is the first single from the album, and the number 11, “I’ll Be Home For Christmas,” has been destined to the organization. The album will be available only on iTunes where customers could also make single donations to the cause.
Source: NBC News