If you don’t know about Product Red, I suggest you check out the website, but in short:

(RED) was created by Bono and Bobby Shriver, Chairman of DATA, to raise awareness and money for The Global Fund by teaming up with the world's mosticonic brands to produce (PRODUCT) RED-branded products. A percentage of each (PRODUCT) RED product sold is given to The Global Fund. The money helps women and children with HIV/AIDS in Africa.

Currently, (RED) products are available from Motorola, American Express, GAP, Emporio Armani, Converse, and Apple making one think that only metrosexual yuppie can help cure AIDS in Africa. What can you do if you want to subscribe to the Product Red manifesto but not necessarily buy those products? Sure you could just donate money, but where is the fun in that?

While I would never actually do this, one could spray paint existing products red and sell it on eBay while donating a certain percentage of the sales to Product Red. It’s been proven that people are willing to pay a premium for some elegantly modified one-of-a-kind products out there (probably not an anodized hammer), and the added social cause may increase the going price. Of course some people will doubt if you are actually donating part of the sales. It’s also likely that Bono and Bobby may send you a cease and desist letter for hijacking their brand even if you are cutting them checks every month. Anyone want to try this?

Labels: philanthropy