About 15 years ago when I worked at the AIDS Action Committee of MA (AAC) I was responsible for soliciting corporate donations. During my tenure at AAC I never recall any of the local taxi companies donating a single penny. Uber’s support for causes that mean something to me increases my loyalty to them. Their support may be just savvy marketing but they are helping raise awareness and money for charities that are near and dear to me; and that matters to me.
Earlier this year Uber joined the EAT (RED) DRINK (RED) SAVES LIVES campaign to fit AIDS with (RED). On World AIDS Day, Tuesday, December 1, 2015 Uber is partnering with (RED) and enabling riders to help drive towards an AIDS Free generation. 
On Tuesday, Dec. 1, Uber riders in more than 150 cities nationwide (including Boston) can join the fight by choosing to ride (RED) and donate $5 on top of their normal fare.* Around the world, cars in the app will turn red to drive awareness around the cause. Moreover, The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has generously pledged to match all donations made to (RED) in-app on December 1. With this match, every $5 donation helps provide a month’s worth of lifesaving medicine, which costs as little as 30 cents a day, to a mother living with HIV/AIDS.
Want to donate? It’s easy.
- On 12/1, choose the (RED) option in the app
- Your uberX ride will be the same as usual
- Uber will contact you by SMS at the end of your trip — reply YES to donate $5 to the Global Fund*
If you’re not riding on December 1, join the conversation and support the drive to an AIDS-free generation.
$0.25 OF EACH $5 DONATION WILL BE USED TO COVER PROCESSING FEES.
*ALL DONATIONS MADE THROUGH THE (RED) OPTION IN THE APP GO DIRECTLY TO THE GLOBAL FUND, A 21ST-CENTURY ORGANIZATION DESIGNED TO ACCELERATE THE END OF AIDS, TUBERCULOSIS AND MALARIA AS EPIDEMICS.
One week from tonight is the annual holiday party, Toys for Joys. If you’ve not yet registered, be sure to visit their website before the event sells out. Last year they moved the venue to the Revere Hotel in the Theater District and the larger space makes it easier to socialize with the hundreds of men who come bearing gifts for the children of Boston and to enjoy a cocktail or two with friends.
BosGuy 