Here was the original piece that I sent in to (RED) for possible publication in their (BLOG)RED.
As you can see, my comments were edited too but it didn't worry me. All I wanted to do was to show my support of (RED).
If you'd like, I'd encourage you to post your original testimony for (RED) here for others to read.
WHY I BUY (RED)
Much has been written lately about Product (RED), the line of consumer items introduced last year by longtime African activists Bono (of U2) and Bobby Shriver. (RED) is an innovative business model created to increase the flow of nongovernmental capital into the Global Fund (
www.theglobalfund.org).
We have heard from the media about (RED); we have heard from (RED) about (RED); but we have not yet heard from the people who are at the heart of (RED) - the buying public. Who are the people who buy (RED) and maybe more importantly WHY do they continue to buy (RED)?
I BUY (RED).
I bought my first (RED) Inspi(red) t-shirt the first day that (RED) went on sale in the U.S. back in October 2006 and I wear it proudly. I have bought several other (RED) t-shirts since then. I know that half of my purchase price for one of these t-shirts will provide the Global Fund with enough money to keep a person alive for a month on their ARV's (anti-retrovirals).
And that means a lot to me.
Do I wear my (RED) t-shirts? Of course, I do. Do I feel better knowing that the (RED) t-shirts that I buy not only provide people in Africa with essential medicines that they need to save their lives but also provides much needed employment in the African country (Lesotho) where the GAP (RED) t-shirts are made? ABSOLUTELY.
(RED) is a win-win situation for everyone involved in the process: the people of Africa get the medical help that they need to survive, the buying public gets high quality products that they enjoy using and the (RED) partners get the opportunity to be a vital part of a new business model for social good.
What's not to like about (RED)?
Could there be more business partners in (RED) to offer the buying public a wider choice of options - yes. Could there be a larger percentage of profits from the sale of (RED) items that could go to the Global Fund? Of course.These are areas that the staff of (RED) are already aware of and working to increase.
Ultimately, whether (RED) channels $25 million or $250 million into the Global Fund, IT HAS ALREADY SUCCEEDED.
(RED) succeeds every time another person is kept alive on their ARV's; (RED) succeeds every time another child orphaned by AIDS is properly taken care of and (RED) succeeds every time another person buys a (RED) product and has hope that they can change the world for the better.
I'M SOLD ON (RED). You should be too. #
When times seem tough, look to your inspiration to motivate you, JC! What you're doing takes great courage. We all believe in you and are thrilled!! Rock on!!! 
