Around the world: Bono’s (RED) campaign fights AIDS and poverty

U2’s Bono continues his effort to end AIDS and poverty in Africa by going red. The (RED) campaign, that is.

Britain premiered the product (RED) line in January, and it came to the U.S. with the Oct. 13 airing of the Oprah Winfrey show. The campaign will reach Canada, France and Japan by November.

Product (RED) is a campaign to raise money to buy AIDS-fighting medicine for people in Africa with the purchase of everyday items. Participating companies include Gap, Giorgio Armani, Apple, Motorola and American Express.

Bono and Bobby Shriver, son of Peace Corps founder Sargent Shriver and nephew of former president John F. Kennedy, teamed up to create the campaign.

“There are still 4.3 million Africans without drugs, which is why 100% of (RED) money is going directly to the [campaign] to support the work they are doing,” Bono said in a statement on joinred.com. “(RED) uses the power in your pocket to keep people alive.”

The Gap offers a (RED) clothing line. Check the tags for the (RED) logo. About 50% of proceeds go to the campaign, according to joinred.com.

American Express offers a credit card that donates 1% of profits.

Converse has a special all-star (RED) shoe. Their Web site reads, “More than a color. A symbol of change. Your shoes can help change the world.”

Motorola offers (RED) MOTORAZR and MOTOSLVR phones. According to direct.motorola.com, $17 of every (RED) phone sold will be donated.

Apple features a (RED) iPod Nano. According to joinred.com, Apple contributes $10 of every (RED) Nano sold.

Emporio Armani features fashion and accessories. The signature Bono sunglasses are available also.

Myspace.com is a media sponsor of the (RED) campaign. Go to www.myspace.com/joinred for more information.

All of the companies and organizations listed above have Web site links through joinred.com.