Seeing (RED) this month

 

Nope I'm not talking about Christmas decorations or the stress while trying to find a car park when Christmas shopping.  I'm talking about (RED) and the amazing work that is being done in Africa; as well as December 1st being international AIDS day.  I first discovered this movement about 5 years ago, however I have been a long supporter of International AIDS day for many years.  The great thing about (RED) is the product(red) part of this movement.  

Its pretty simple.  Many companies have created special red products (like red ipods from apple) and the profits from these sales go to the global fund to help others.  The products range from shoes to technology, music and coffee.  In my opinion all of these products are things most of my peers and I would purchase anyway so why not pick the specific products that can help others.  

Here is just a little bit of info from the join(red) website about what its all about.   

Every Generation is known for something.

Let's be the one that delivers an AIDS Free Generation.

We all have tremendous power. What we choose to do or even buy, can affect someone’s life on the other side of the world.

In 2010, 1,000 babies were born every day with HIV.

In 2011, that number was down to 900.

By 2015 it can be near zero. We can stop the transmission of HIV from moms to their babies.

In the fight to eliminate AIDS, 2015 could be the beginning of the end – it’s the year we can deliver an AIDS Free Generation.

(RED) can’t accomplish this alone. It will take all of us to get there –

governments, health organizations, companies, and you.

When you DO THE (RED) THING, a (RED) partner will give up some of its profits to fight AIDS.

It’s as simple as that.

BE (RED). Start the end of AIDS now.

So if this sounds interesting please jump on the site and see what little changes you can make in your purchasing to get the things you were already going to buy and support others.

Let's supprt the guys

Its that time of year again when women all around Australia start to notice that the men have stopped shaving and are sporting some crazy facial hair.  Yep that's right its Movember.  Unsure what this is?   Well guys start Movember 1st with a clean-shaven face and then for the rest of the month, these selfless and generous men known as Mo Bros, groom, trim and wax their way into the annals of fine moustachery. Supported by the women in their lives, Mo Sistas, Movember Mo Bros raise funds by seeking out sponsorship for their Mo growing efforts.  So 30 days of November and through their actions these great guys become walking, talking billboards for the and words raise awareness by prompting private and public conversation around the often ignored issue of men’s health.

We may be nearing the end of the month and soon the boys will be shaving off their mo's (much to the relief of some of us gals) but you still have time to show your support.  Needless to say I can't grow one but I have my own way of showing my support.  In fact for the month of Movember I'll be wearing my moustache earrings and watch.  So If you see a place to donate your loose change for Movember please do because you never know which male in your family could be helped in the future by your support. 

Liptember Countdown

Ok so I have been hinting about the word of a few days but what on earth is Liptember you may be asking. Liptember is a month long campaign run in September every year to raise awareness and funds for women’s health. Funds raised will be donated to the Centre for Women’s Mental Health and Lifeline Australia. But how are funds raised you may ask and what can I do? Its simple we are encourage women to buy and wear the ‘Liptember’ lippy in the month of September, gaining sponsorship from family, friends and co workers.

So our mission is to raise the awareness of gender specific mental health issues for women, funding research and programs that can be implemented to achieve optimal health outcomes for women.

You still may be asking WHY?? Here are just a few reason why we are raising money.

• Providing a new approach to addressing women's health equity.
• Improve the health and well being of all women in Australia.
• Gain valuable insight into women’s mental health issues and the reasons behind them.
• Breaking down the barriers to accessing women’s health care.
• Promoting that women and men have different mental health needs.
• Promoting healthy lifestyles and participation in health decision making and management.
• Promoting female social inclusion.

The official Liptember Lippy is Burt's Bees Hibiscus Tinted Lip Balm which can be found on the counter of the Essentials department at any Myer store nationwide. However My personal aim is to always be wearing my Liptember lippy or another great color and as proof I will be blogging my lippy choices each day.

Now the big question....How can you help? I have an online profile and if you follow the link you can donate online, or simply go into Myers and pick up your lippy, or if you see me you can make your donation in person and I will ensure it gets to the liptember fundraising department.

And just so you know here are The Rules I will be following

The rules are simple listen here,
A month is all it takes my dear.
All you girls out and about,
Always display your Liptember pout.
Whether it be work or play,
The lipstick must always stay.
When the weekend comes around,
Show it off out on town.
But don’t forget rule number one,
Liptember is all for having fun.

Women participating in Liptember must wear the lipstick throughout September at work and when out and about.