The Piaggio Group and (RED), an organization co-founded by Bono and Bobby Shriver to fight against AIDS, have announced a fund-raising partnership. Among those attending the event to launch the collaboration was Bill Gates, Chairman of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, one of the main global protagonists in the battle for health and well-being in developing countries.
Vespa, the iconic Italian scooter brand, has developed a (RED) vehicle to support the ambitious endeavor. From the sale of each unit, $150 (USD) will go toward supporting the activities of the Global Fund for the battle against AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria.
“The partnership with (RED), one of the most prestigious institutions in the world, represents another concrete commitment by Piaggio in this area,” said Roberto Colaninno, CEO and Managing Director of The Piaggio Group. “We are happy and proud today to have been chosen by (RED) to represent the mobility sector as one of their partners. This will be a global collaboration between two organizations recognized all over the world as symbols of professionalism and excellence.”
The Vespa (RED), which will be presented in its definitive form at the next EICMA show (held in Milan, Italy, November 10-13, 2016), was on display in Rome during a Global Fund event at the National Institute of Health.
The Vespa models manufactured in partnership with (RED) will be sold in Europe, Asia, the Pacific and the United States. The first group of Vespa (RED) vehicles will go on sale in December 2016, to coincide with (RED)’s Shopathon campaign.
Founded in 2006 by Bono and Bobby Shriver, (RED) has contributed $350 million (USD) to the Global Fund in the battle against AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria. These funds have been used in the African countries of Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Rwanda, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania and Zambia, with 100 percent of the resources destined to activities on site. (RED)’s support for the Global Fund has had an impact on more than 70 million people, with prevention, treatment and consulting operations, as well as HIV tests and assistance services.
Deborah Dugan, CEO, (RED) said: “We’re honored to have Piaggio join the AIDS fight with the launch of their iconic Vespa (RED) that will raise money to support the critical work of the Global Fund.”
Celebrating its 70th anniversary this year, Vespa has sold more than 18 million vehicles around the world since 1946. Vespa is one of several two-wheeled brands, including Aprilia, Moto Guzzi and several others, owned by the Piaggio Group. The parent company has historically been sensitive the cause of children’s health. It sponsored the Vespa For Children initiative, an international charity that, in collaboration with the Bambino Gesù Hospital of Rome, paved the way for a medical-surgical program at the National Hospital For Pediatrics of Hanoi in Vietnam.
For more information about (RED), visit red.org.
