Lace Up and Save Lives. This is Nike’s campaign to fight and educate Africa on HIV/Aids. It can help millions already dying from AIDS to live dramatically longer and fuller lives. So what is this? Nike produces red laces with the saying “Lace Up and Save Lives.” When purchased, Nike donates 100% of profits to Grassroots Soccer program who uses soccer as a way to inform the youth on the risks of Aids. The laces cost around $5 and can be purchased at any Nike store. Funds are also contributed to The Global Fund to help HIV/AIDS programs that support the purchase of lifesaving Antiretroviral medication, training of medical staff, HIV testing and treatment in hopes of avoiding transmittance from mother to child during pregnancy.
Though Nike is an enormous corporation, they are surprisingly making a trend out of Lace Up and Save Lives. For instance, at Nike stores, they have the laces right by the registers with the program's goals and objectives. Every time someone purchases red laces, they ring a bell in the store and make a cheerful announcement that someone has just bought a pair.
Product Red is not only through Nike either. Some other companies such a Apple Inc., American Express, and Gap have also contributed in efforts to raise awareness and have dedicated a product of theirs to the cause. Some have objected to this cause by saying that the companies are using the disease to make a profit. Most companies that are contributing are quite large companies and don’t really need the money being made from the Product Red.
I was drawn to this article because I feel like it is a great way for companies to give back and also produce something that consumers are going to enjoy. I have bought the red laces and personally felt like the money was going to something important. It is a easy, fun, and in my opinion helpful way to donate to an organization. I believe this is a great example of corporate social responsibility. I browsed a few articles and found this business article explains not only Nike but other specifics on the organization as well http://www.businessgivingstrategies.com/2008/02/16/productredagain/
I to believe this is a great cause. The idea of getting people to donate to a cause by turning the cause into a tangible product that the person can purchase and wear is becoming more and more popular. I personally would rather buy a shirt, or a pair of shoes for charity that i know i will wear over and over again. I fell like i have invested into something useful and also helped another person out. Good job on your blog.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great subject to observe and discuss about. There are many problems in the world and if we can tackle them one at a time, eventually we will be able to resolve them.
ReplyDeleteEven though, these companies will get profits out of them for example great advertising not just from the campaign itself but from shows and medias showing them on the air. Also, this is great for tax purposes.
Nevertheless, we should keep supporting them to support this great cause.