Idris Elba, Louis Vuitton and More Join (RED) in the Fight Against AIDS and COVID-19

Since it was first discovered nearly 40 years ago, the world has seen incredible progress made in the fight to end AIDS. According to UNAIDS, AIDS-related deaths have been cut in over half since their peak in 2004 and over 25 million living with HIV now have access to life-saving treatment worldwide. While progress has been made, AIDS is still a crisis. Out of the 38 million living with HIV globally, 26 million reside in sub-Saharan Africa alone and according to the CDC, in 2018, Blacks/African Americans accounted for 13% of the US population yet made up 42% of the country's nearly 38,000 new HIV diagnoses. Young African American gay and bisexual men also remain disproportionately impacted, accounting for more new HIV infections than any other group in the US.

Today, on World AIDS Day and #GivingTuesday, (RED) and its partners are giving people all over the world many ways to support the fight against AIDS and now, COVID-19.

From gifts that give back on Amazon.com/RED to celebrity shout-outs on Cameo, there is something for everyone this holiday.

(RED) is the color of emergency. Pandemics - whether AIDS or COVID-19 - hit the most vulnerable people hardest. As COVID-19 continues to spread around the world and prey upon already weakened health systems, it also threatens the progress of (RED) -supported AIDS programs. By partnering with the world's most iconic brands, (RED) is able to generate funds for the Global Fund to fight these pandemics.

Calm, the #1 app for mental fitness, today released a new (CALM) RED Sleep Story in support of World AIDS Day. In partnership with and narrated by actor and musician, Idris Elba, the bedtime story, titled Kingdom of the Sky, was created to help grown-ups and kids alike drift off to sleep. For every listen from December 1-7, Calm will donate $1 to (RED)’s fight against AIDS and COVID-19 (up to $100k). “It’s a special honor to lend my voice to Calm’s partnership with (RED) in the fight against the AIDS and COVID-19 pandemics across sub-Saharan Africa,” says Idris Elba. “This Sleep Story is powerful because as you tune in and drift off, you’re helping to save lives.”

Other companies that are lending support are, Louis Vuitton, with the release of the new Louis Vuitton I (RED) Trainer. First presented during Men’s Artistic Director Virgil Abloh’s debut Spring-Summer 2019 show for Louis Vuitton, the LV Trainer has become a staple menswear sneaker. Flirting with nostalgia and borrowing its lines from basketball shoes, the Louis Vuitton I (RED) Trainer features an embossed Monogram on white leather with bright red piping and details. Monogram flowers are embedded across the sole of the low-top sneaker. For each LV I (RED) Trainer sold, $200 will be donated to the Global Fund to fight AIDS.

Earlier this fall, Balmain released the limited-edition (BALMAIN) RED B-Court Handwriting Sneakers. Created with Olivier Rousteing’s handwritten prototype notes printed in black and red is available exclusively at Balmain's Madison Avenue location and on Balmain.com. $150 from every (BALMAIN) RED B-Court Handwriting Sneaker purchased will go to support the Global Fund’s COVID-19 Response and critical HIV/AIDS programs in sub-Saharan Africa.

Harlem based Visual Artist, Ronald Draper has created the (RONALD DRAPER)RED capsule collection with the sole purpose to remind us that we are far more than the things we have survived! A minimum of 35% from every purchase will go to support the Global Fund’s COVID-19 Response and critical HIV/AIDS programs in sub-Saharan Africa. Check out his impactful collection, here!

To join (RED) in the fight against AIDS and COVID-19, click here.