Brand Innovation World AIDS Day

Isn’t it shocking that even today, at this very moment while one half of the world population is either struggling with or fighting against this deadly disease called AIDS, the other half of the world population is sitting at home or in their offices oblivious to the danger lurking right in their neighborhood? I think it is.

It is about time that changes. Ignorance is not bliss people, ignorance in this case can cost you your life and make other people’s life miserable. You see, AIDS is a disease that can be contracted by anyone. Yes, even you! It is not folklore, publicity stunt or even a curse. It is time you looked yourself in the mirror and said it out loud: “AIDS is nothing but an unfortunate disease and I will do everything in my power to spread awareness and promote prevention”.

Why?

Are you wondering why I am suggesting that you should join the fight against it? Especially when you and  your family members and even your friends got a clean chit. Because, that is the humane thing to do, Period! Moreover, anybody at any given moment can contract AIDS; it is not Aladdin’s lamp! It is fairly common and because of the pressures from our prejudiced society, which by the way is evolving fiercely, not many people feel at ease discussing their HIV status resulting in more damage than good. So, now do you see why I am asking you to join hands with the people fighting against AIDS? Good.

How?

Well, you could go to the different conferences, meetings and rallies; you could speak words of encouragement and every time you meet someone brave enough to declare their HIV positive status, smile and give them a pat on the back or even a hug. You can even display your support and respect for those living with AIDS and those that have lost their fight to it by adorning simple and inexpensive AIDS awareness ribbons.

On this account I would like to talk about an amazing website I found while browsing through the internet, the World AIDS day website. There I found a collection of choice AIDS day products including red ribbons, AIDS day wristband, AIDS day notebooks and the likes. Their products are of high quality, their prices are affordable, their variety is engaging and their commitment to contribute as much as they can towards raising AIDS awareness is commendable.

If you need any more information about them, please visit: http://aidsday.co.za/index.html  or you can give them a call at: 0861 111 954.

According to Wikipedia, “HIV/AIDS is a global pandemic”.  But, can its monstrosity be summed up in a mere 5-6 word sentence? I don’t think so. The truth about AIDS is that it is an infectious disease, it is claiming millions of lives each year and there is no cure yet but, there is hope.

It is with this hope that the 1^st of December is celebrated each year as World AIDS day. This day millions of people join hands in the fight against AIDS. They wear the inexpensive yet expressive red ribbons available via the websites of organizations dedicated to eradication of AIDS like Brand Innovation World AIDS day website.  Speeches are given, rallies are held and the fallen are honored. It is a special day. It is a day of hope, respect and God’s grace because we hope for an AIIDS free tomorrow, we respect those who are living with AIDS and we reminiscence that by god’s grace it is our birth right to live a life full of potential where everybody is equal and everybody is special. 

But, why is celebrating this one specific day important? It is important that we have a day such as World AIDS day to raise awareness of AIDS throughout the world. Those who do not suffer from it are often not aware of the many victims and their families who live with the aftermath of such a terrible disease.  The only way to put it all out there and make people see that AIDS is real is through this very day. You cannot live blindfolded in a world where suffering has an upper hand. For AIDS to be eradicated, people have to awaken to the truth about AIDS and the ways to spread awareness. 

The little red ribbons, AIDS day pens and notepads, World AIDS day bands, these are tiny inexpensive mementos to honor the day and the people. These might not have much material value but, they unite us as humane, rational human beings who will always stand against every evil that ravages our home and hurts our people. All these are available via the World AIDS day website of Brand Innovation, if you need any, please go to: http://www.aidsday.co.za/

AIDS does not see race, color, religion or region. It is a disease that can be contracted by anyone from any walk of life. But, till this day it is a treated as a taboo. It is seen as something that is talked about in hushed voices and shady corners.  We the people have not been able to shake off the social stigma that shadows the deadly disease.

But, it is time to change that. So, what is AIDS? AIDS is a disease and a deadly one at that. AIDS or acquired Immune deficiency syndrome is contracted by and infection of the human immunodeficiency virus which slowly weakens the immune system making the body vulnerable to various illnesses.

 How does AIDS spread? There are several ways in which HIV is transmitted, they are:

So, now that you know the disease and the way it is transmitted, I would like to point out something, the people living with HIV/AIDS are human beings just like you and me. They are not untouchables and it is of utmost importance to treat them with respect and show them that you stand shoulder to shoulder with them in their fight against AIDS. 

Is there a cure? Not yet, but we are hopeful. For now we can help raise awareness of the disease and help people prevent the spread.

The best way to show that is through aids awareness ribbons. These tiny, inexpensive ribbons South Africa has to offer are available at the Brand Innovation world aids day website if you need one to wear on the World AIDS day and without speaking a word you can show the world that you stand in support of the people who are living each day with the disease, of the families that have been destroyed because of the disease and of the lives that have been lost. 

You can show the world that you stand against the social stigma surrounding this disease, that you are fully aware of the disease and you intend to spread awareness about it long and far. 

We are bound by humanity to wear this ribbon because it is the beacon of hope. It is to show that we struggled, we lost a few comrades but, we never gave up and so, we have a chance at a better tomorrow, an AIDS free tomorrow.

As human beings we desire and crave to be different from everyone else. We might strive to emulate the lives of great people, but the way we go about this is by looking at those who have done well and the values and work ethic of those who have achieved great things in their lives.

This desire for personalization starts early on in childhood. Remember how difficult sharing a toy with siblings was? I remember. As we grow we start to brand certain things to show that the item is specially yours.  Everyone loves the sound of their own name or their own company brand.

It might be a certain color that you prefer or a specific brand from which you buy something. This longing for personalization can also be seen in vanity license plates that cars sport. You must have laughed as a car with the plate “UNOWHO” zoom past you on the freeway, realizing straight away that the owner of the car was a Harry Potter fan. Sometimes you actually can’t believe the car number plates zooming past. I think we can all relate?

Getting to know someone’s personal likes and wants can also be very useful as you will be able to give them personalized gifts, which show the person how well you know them, which helps to deepen the bond. How true is this?

The cool kids these days all have personalized accessories.  And then all their friends want one too. A computer’s mouse might be designed in the form of a shark or dolphin, a CPU can also be  made to appear transparent so that you can see the inner workings of the computer – imagine! 

You might even see a key usb flash stick as well which is personalized. Flash sticks in general are very popular choices for personalizing; there are also flash sticks which you can wear on your wrist band, flash sticks which come in the shape of animals, popular figures and also in toys like Russian dolls. Companies buy these to give to clients and everyone loves them.

BRAND INNOVATION offers you USB flash sticks which are designed in the shape of keys. Brand Innovation also brands your USB with a personal message or logo using either laser engraving ,  or pad printing. Laser engraving works better as it will not fade whereas pad printing is not as durable. You can use these USB flash sticks as corporate gifts for both your employees and your clients.