Since 2002, The Global Fund has committed over $5.2 billion to fight AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria worldwide. But that's all about to change.

Introducing Red. A phenomenal new concept that is turning heads in the corporate and entertainment worlds alike. But unlike The Global Fund, Red is a business model. You buy a Red product and the money goes to eliminate AIDS in Africa.

Bono and Oprah went on a shopping spree down Michigan Avenue in Chicago yesterday with the media at their heels, launching Red in the United States. New products were introduced today by Gap, Motorola, Apple, and Converse among others, most cleverly packaged in brilliant candy-apple red. Since its inception in the UK back in March, a growing list of corporate partners have started contributing massive revenues to the cause.

It's not the first time we've heard about Africa this year. In fact, it's one of many efforts to bring the issues of developing nations to the forefront. I have the honor of being involved with three such organizations:

• The Mercy Plays: a festival of original one-act plays about mercy. All proceeds will go to Mercy Ships, floating hospitals that deliver world-class health care in places like Sierra Leone, South Africa and Ghana.


• The Relief Project: a collection of artists united to rebuild lives through music. CD and concert proceeds have been recently donated to efforts in the Dafur region of Sudan.


• The Global Playground: a campaign to raise awareness and funds for education in developing nations. Currently working in partnership with Building Tomorrow, an initiative to build new schools in Uganda.

I might just pick up a new hoodie at Gap today. Why? Because I want to make a change. A change that can save lives. And I want to do the Red thing.