#47: AID a Good Cause (Friday, November 23)

Next Saturday, December 1, 2007 is World AIDS Day.  Although you may not think it affects you personally, consider this: Africa has the most HIV infections in the world; the Caribbean region has the third largest infection rate in the world; and Brooklyn, NY has the highest infection rate of any city in North America.  Scary, huh?

The Idea: Do one small action to help support the fight against HIV/AIDS or to help those living with the disease. Here are some suggestions:

• Get tested and encourage your friends to do the same.  To find an HIV Testing Center near you, text your zip code to KNOWIT.
  
• Fundraise: help raise money for a local HIV/AIDS organization.
  
• Wear a red ribbon; it may prompt one person to ask about its purpose and begin a conversation on the disease.
  
• Wear a HIV/AIDS awareness t-shirt.
  
• Add World AIDS Day to your Myspace and Facebook friends so your other friends can see that you are supporting the fight.
  
• Buy MAC Viva Glam Lipstick: all the proceeds go to the MAC AIDS Fund to support HIV/AIDS causes.
  
• Buy other products that donate part of the proceeds of your purchase to HIV/AIDS organizations.
  

The Cost: the cost of whatever activity you decide to do.

The Benefit: If you get even one more person to change their habits, get tested or even just have a discussion about the disease, the benefit will make itself apparent.