A million kisses help heal heartache as we recognise today - World Aids Day.
We're Gaga for it, but don't worry - every penny of New Zealanders' $1 million shopping spree on lippy is going to a good cause.
That's the total raised - and the total given - from sales of M.A.C Viva Glam lip products which is helping to make a difference in the lives of people living with and affected by HIV and Aids.
Worldwide the cosmetics company has raised US$190 million ($253 million) since 1994, with its M.A.C Aids Fund focusing internationally on highlighting the link between poverty and Aids, and helping under-served populations. Here the work is more about funding community education and support, aimed at destigmatising what is now classified as a chronic manageable disease.
Complacency is the biggest threat Aids campaigners face locally, with the predicted killer epidemic never fully taking hold though over the last decade cases in New Zealand have been trending upward.
Since testing began here in 1985, a total of 3397 people have been diagnosed as HIV positive, with around 2500 currently living in New Zealand. Of these people around 600 are women, with half the remainder classified as men who have sex with men.
Prejudice and ignorance are still real concerns, as is an increasingly blase attitude towards safe sex.
Jane Bruning, national co-ordinator for the organisation Positive Women fears education about the disease has gone backwards, with younger people who weren't around to see its initial impact figuring it can now be treated. While Aids is no longer a death sentence in the West, it is most definitely a life sentence.
"Imagine a young, single 20-year-old woman being diagnosed. You have to wear a condom for the rest of your life. You have to tell every future partner and face their reaction. Then there's the effect later, if you get pregnant, it won't be a natural birth, no breastfeeding."
Doctors, dentists must be advised. There may be workplace or childcare issues, and later children to explain to. Not to mention the "horrendous" side effects of drugs that need to be taken daily.
Helping the public understand these issues, while also supporting women dealing with them, is what Positive Women is about. It is one of a number of groups backed by the M.A.C Aids Fund, which is its biggest donor. Bruning says: "I don't know if we would have survived without their support."
Backing has also been given to Body Positive's rapid testing campaign and the set up of the INA HIV/Aids Foundation targeting the Maori and South Pacific communities.
In the M.A.C Fund's 11 years in New Zealand, 30,000 Viva Glam lip products have been sold. This year's colours, as worn by spokesmodels Lady Gaga and Cyndi Lauper, are proving winners. They've pushed sales to the $1 million local milestone, with 2010 also being the fund's single most successful launch globally, raising US$12 million and counting.
Both M.A.C staff and Positive Women volunteers have been making red ribbons, the Aids symbol which will be given out today by them and other World Aids Day collectors.
M.A.C Aids Fund chairman John Demsey, says the fund is the company's "corporate heart and soul". He is particularly proud of how many staff will get out and collect in over 30 countries today, saying it shows their passion, dedication and willingness.
Demsey, who is also Estee Lauder Companies' group president, has been involved in the campaign since the early days when Lauder bought M.A.C.
"Our motivation was to bring hope to our friends and their families who were affected by HIV/Aids." He has visited Aids projects in the Caribbean with former US President Bill Clinton and hits the red carpet with celebrity spokespeople.
"Our most recent spokespeople, Lady Gaga and Cyndi Lauper, speak to the empowerment of women and taking control."
The fund was begun by M.A.C's Canadian co-founders Frank Toskan and Frank Angelo, with drag queen artist RuPaul the first spokesperson. Others who have fronted are: k.d. lang, Mary J. Blige, Sir Elton John, Shirley Manson, Lil' Kim, Missy Elliott, Boy George, Linda Evangelista, Chloe Sevigny, Christina Aguilera, Pamela Anderson, Debbie Harry, Lisa Marie Presley, Eve, Dita Von Teese and Fergie.
"We decided from the onset on a unique, giving model where all proceeds from the sale of the lipstick would go to the fund," says Demsey. This includes underwriting the cost of the product and giving the full retail price to the cause, including would-be profits for retail partners. "We never imagined the global impact we'd have in supporting those affected."
M.A.C is now the second largest non-pharmaceutical donor to HIV/Aids causes. Demsey says this has brought clout. "This means we have a greater voice and an opportunity to really make a difference within the HIV/Aids community.
"It gives us respect as a cosmetics company to push the boundaries and demonstrate to leaders and heads of government that with funding we can make people's lives better. The impact of this is felt all the way to the consumer, telling them that something as simple as buying a lipstick can lead to incredible global change.
"Our message is simple: buy a lipstick and change a life."
Viva: How easy was it initially to "sell" the Viva Glam concept and does the reception differ these days?
John Demsey: Our partners appreciate the fact that the funds raised will go directly to helping people in their own community - so of course, they are supportive. More recently, with our global grants and high-profile spokespeople there is more interest and willingness than we have ever seen.
Does the cause pose any brand image or staffing issues for M.A.C in certain societies?
M.A.C speaks out for those who can't speak up for themselves in countries where HIV/Aids is a taboo subject. If anything, the fund is the reason people want to come and work at M.A.C - they want to work for a company that makes a difference.
Is Viva Glam promoted in all countries that sell M.A.C?
Where there is M.A.C there is the M.A.C Aids Fund. Today, you can find M.A.C in 75 countries.
Do customers care?
Our customers supported and believed in this from the very beginning.
How is it determined what percentage of money is spent overseas and what percentage in the country that raised it?
In New Zealand, the proceeds of all Viva Glam products have remained in New Zealand and been directed to several charities, including Positive Women. The impact of HIV/Aids has greater prevalence in some countries than others and we have been able to successfully meet this challenge through our global grants initiative, which New Zealand has participated in, which allows us to transfer funds between markets and charities in need. In particular, we know there is a great need in South Africa; we've been able to redirect funds there through Unicef South Africa, where we are supporting a Prevention of Mother to Child HIV/Aids programme.
What is your view of companies that market their gifting, while donating only a small percentage of net profits to charity?
They have a role to play because they use their brand influence to raise consumer awareness of the charity they are supporting.
Does the fund lobby politically for particular approaches on Aids issues?
We have endeavoured to provide funding to registered non-profit organisations for awareness, prevention and advocacy campaigns as well as direct service programmes that expand access to HIV testing, care and treatment services. In doing so, we have avoided entering political conversations and do not lobby governments.
What directions/goals do you have for the fund?
Through the voices of our spokespeople we plan to expand our international funding through targeted high-impact regional initiatives in Europe, Latin America, the Middle East and Asia Pacific.
What do you want M.A.C to be seen as saying?
The M.A.C Aids Fund is about changing lives and making a difference.
HELPING HAND
Today volunteer collectors, including M.A.C staff, will be shaking fundraising buckets. Give generously and wear the red ribbon to show your support. (This year the day's international focus is on access to treatment and human rights. The annual collection in New Zealand is organised by the Aids Foundation).
Positive Women offers a helpline and a drop-centre in Auckland. It runs an annual retreat, bringing together sometimes isolated women for workshops and fellowship. M.A.C makeup artists offer makeover services and also help with other events.
Last weekend Positive Women held a training workshop for speakers and its focus next year is to get them into schools, workplaces and community groups.
To find out more ph 0800 POZTIV (769 848) or see positivewomen.co.nz.
Viva Glam Lipsticks and Lipglass are available at M.A.C counters in the 2010 colours of Viva Glam Cyndi (a mid-tone dirty coral) and Viva Glam Gaga (a light blue-pink) for $38 each, along with shades from previous years.
Christmas cards designed by children affected by or infected with HIV/Aids are also on sale, with all proceeds going to the fund's work. To learn more about this see macaidsfund.org.
