We’ve got 24 days till Christmas, so if you’re giving gifts this year the time to shop is NOW! I’ll be sharing my gift ideas until days before the 25th, of items I’ve tried and tested, or just think are worth your time and attention!
Today – December 1 – is World AIDS Day, a day for us all to recognize and realize the global effects of this disease. In case you’ve closed your eyes to the reality, allow these facts via The Red Pump Project to enlighten you:
December 1st has been World AIDS Day for the past 22 years, and this year’s theme is “Face AIDS.” Here’s a snapshot of the global epidemic:
33.4 million people are living with HIV/AIDS worldwide
2.1 million of those are children under 15
2.9 million people were newly infected with HIV in 2009
1.8 million people died from HIV-related causes in 2009
67% of the people living with HIV/AIDS are in Sub-Saharan Africa
Young people account for half of new HIV infectionsStaggering stats, but not hopeless. According to UNAIDS, HIV infection rates and deaths are slowly declining around the world, but not enough for us to stop prevention and awareness work (as well as treatment)
Until the day when there’s a cure and we can ensure that men, women and children around the world are protected and aware – the battle continues, and awareness is our weapon. There are many ways to raise your voice, raise funds, and raise awareness today on World AIDS Day. Go out, get tested, make a donation to your local charities!
Here are five fashionable items on sale TODAY, that all support a charity that furthers research, assistance, or awareness of HIV/AIDS at home and around the world. All stylish, cool, great gift items too – here’s to shopping for a cause!
The Sprinkles World AIDS Day cupcake.
Every time I walk past Sprinkles, there’s a line out the DOOR, doesn’t matter if it’s hot or cold outside. That’s because their cupcakes have a reputation for deliciousness, and this cupcake today is EXTRA special. 100% of the proceeds from this delicious red velvet cupcake will benefit the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation. click to order yours online! There’s no line there! They’re $3.25 each, $36 for a dozen.
Project (RED)’s Damien Hirst Converse
Can I just say that I LOVE the Join RED movement. Everything they do is fresh, and they work with some of the biggest brands to create unique items and donate 50% of their proceeds to the Global Fund to fight AIDS in Africa. Check it out! This year their selections are outstanding. It was hard to pick one favorite, so I picked two.
All of the Converse Project (RED) kicks are pretty hot, but out of all of them, I would so totally rock Project (RED)’s Damien Hirst Converse the most. Vibrant, feminine, eye catching. $100 for this fashion statement, and 50% goes to a great cause.
The diptyque (PRODUCT) RED Special Edition Candle
The first time I smelled a diptyque candle, I was blown away. THIS is why JLo reportedly used to insist on them in every room! They’re just absolutely potent, swoon worthy, and evocative of luxury. I love that this high end home fragrance brand has issued the diptyque (PRODUCT) RED Special Edition Candle, and judging from the description, I need it in my life! The fragrance is described as “Rooïbos Vanilla,” “with sweet notes of Madagascar vanilla, tobacco, fresh Rooïbos and undertones of wood and balsam.” Sounds incredible. It retails for $68.
The Ineza Tote Bag from Keep a Child Alive.
Doesn’t matter WHAT day it is, the people at Keep a Child Alive are doing their best to spread the word and raise funds to provide essential nutrition, shelter, support and education for those suffering from HIV/AIDS in Africa. The current Buy Life “digital death” celebrity campaign is attracting lots of attention, but if you want a more lasting token of your support, I recommend checking out the cool merch in their store.
The Ineza Tote Bag is stunning, and each is one of a kind. Created by the Ineza Women’s Cooperative at KCA’s Centreville Clinic in Rwanda, this tote bag is intended to represent “the strength and renewal of female survivors of the 1994 genocide in Rwanda.” And it does so with style. $30.
If you’re a regular reader of my blog, you already know I’m a proud and vocal supporter of The Red Pump Project. I personally know and can vouch for every member of the team here in Chicago – these women work hard to promote awareness of AIDS, and their efforts have sparked a movement. This weekend there will be Red Pump Project events in cities like Dallas and Charlotte, North Carolina, and also here in Chicago. I plan to be in attendance at Behind the Red Curtains on Friday night! If you can’t be there but you still want to “rock the red pump,” then go to their online store and get yourself one of The Red Pump Project tees. They’re $20 each and just for today you can use the code REDPUMPWAD to get 20% off! And for my plus size bellas – we gotta wait a little longer. The Red Pump store will be adding additional plus sizes soon and I’m helping them to choose, so you know they won’t be too tight or too thin!
Those are my 5 picks of great gift items that also support AIDS charities. And please know you can buy an item and support these charities ANYTIME, you don’t have to wait for World AIDS Day!
Which is your favorite?
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