Motorola unveiled (MOTO)RED - the first in a brand new portfolio of mobile handsets created to help eliminate AIDS in Africa.
Launched by co-founders Bono and Bobby Shriver at the World Economic Forum last January, (PRODUCT) RED is designed to deliver a sustainable flow of private sector money to the Global Fund to fight AIDS.
The first product in Motorola`s new (MOTO)RED portfolio was revealed as the ultra slim, ultra chic red MOTOSLVR.
"RED is a 21st century idea. It`s an amazing thing that these companies are doing - lending their creativity and financial firepower to the Global Fund`s fight against AIDS in Africa, the greatest health crisis in 600 years. I think doing the RED thing, doing good, will turn out to be good business for them," said Bono, co-creator of RED.
The UK launch of this initiative on the 15th May 2005, saw an unprecedented demonstration of support. Mobile operators and retailers from across the UK (BT Mobile, Carphone Warehouse, Fresh, O2, Orange, Tesco Mobile, T-Mobile, Virgin Mobile and Vodafone) have all united behind this initiative.
"Motorola has been doing business in Africa for more than 30 years, and our support of the Global Fund is one way that we`re able to give back to the region. Additionally, with our new red model, MOTOSLVR will help change the way people think about AIDS in Africa. We`re literally placing in people`s hands an opportunity to help find a solution," said Ron Garriques, president of Motorola Mobile Devices. "Motorola and the retailer partners will contribute a percentage of generated revenue to the Global Fund for every red MOTOSLVR handset purchase. And, UK operator partners have agreed to donate to the Global Fund 5% of the monthly revenue generated by each red MOTOSLVR. So, with every call, every text and every download, consumers will be able to make a difference in the fight against AIDS in Africa every day."
Recent figures 1 provided by the Global Fund demonstrate just how significant the individual contribution every new (MOTO) RED connection can make. The proceeds of selling just three handsets can provide a year`s worth of school materials and daily hot meals for a child orphaned by AIDS, while 5% of the average yearly phone bill can provide 180 treatments to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV.
1 Cost figures are based on a wide range of Global Fund-financed programs in African countries; exact costs in a specific country can vary significantly For further information, please contact:
Sarit Reouveni (082) 990 7005 or email saritr@motorola.com
Alexa Capazorio (082) 456 2728 or email alexa@magna-carta.co.za
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