When you read this, World AIDS Day will be coming to a close in a few hours. But that doesn’t mean the fight against HIV/AIDS and the stigma surrounding it should stop there.
Apart from non-government organizations, you can also help out through brands that support HIV/AIDS initiatives all year round. It can be as simple as buying their products and the proceeds will be donated to charity. It’s a win-win for anyone because you get something new and you do it for a good cause. So here’s a list of brands that raise awareness and funds for HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment.
MAC
The Viva Glam collection features lipsticks created by their celebrity spokespersons like Ariana Grande, Nicki Minaj, and most recently, Sia. All the proceeds from the lipsticks will go to the MAC AIDS Fund, which supports HIV/AIDS organizations in underserved regions. Available at SM Megamall.
Apple
If you notice every year, some Apple apps feature the (RED) logo. This is part of their initiative to support programs “that provide counseling, testing, and medicine that prevents the transmission of HIV from a mother to her unborn child.” From apps, they’ve extended it to a special red iPod Touch, phone cases, and Apple Watch bands. They also sell red Beats Solo3 Wireless Headphones and Beats Pill+ Portable Speaker. A portion of the purchases will go to the AIDS Global Fund in Africa. Available online.
Lush
Through their Charity Pot, Lush donates one hundred of the proceeds to various organizations which help animal protection, the environment, and human rights. The HIV programs they support include Act Up London and Shafted! Building the HIV Army. Not only are you supporting a good cause, the Charity Pot lotion will also nourish and hydrate your skin with its shea butter ingredient. Available at Glorietta 4.
Levi’s
For more than 30 years, the Levi Strauss Foundation donates to provide assistance to those afflicted with HIV and raising awareness. “Our HIV/AIDS grant partnerships support community organizations in more than 40 countries with a focus on educating apparel workers about HIV/AIDS. Our grants also focus on eradicating discrimination against people living with HIV and providing assistance to those most vulnerable to infection,” they wrote on their website. Keep that in mind when you’re buying jeans from their stores. Available at SM Makati.
Kiehl’s
Kiehl’s has consistently supported HIV/AIDS research through their annual campaigns. This year, they got rapper Tinie Tempah to redesign their Ultra Facial Cream. This features a white container with an electric blue top containing Tinie’s logo. A portion of the proceeds will go to the MTV Staying Alive Foundation. Available at Greenbelt 5.
Art by Lara Intong
Follow Preen on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, and Viber
Related stories:
Sia Announced Her Major Lipstick Collab in the Most Sia Way Possible
Pia Wurtzbach Comes in Defense of the LGBT Community Amid Drug Bust Reports
What You Need to Know About the Pill that Prevents HIV
This Organization’s New Campaign Is Taking HIV/AIDS Awareness to the Youth