HOLLYWOOD – “The Lone Ranger,” starring Johnny Depp and Armie Hammer, is a thrilling action film about two unlikely heroes fighting for justice and good in the world, making its soundtrack the perfect choice for a team-up with the charity (RED) to raise funds to fight HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria globally. Disney and (RED) have created the first special edition product for (RED), a select “Lone Ranger: Wanted” album with music inspired by the film.
(RED) works by partnering with businesses who sell popular products, such as Gap, Apple, and Bed Bath and Beyond, who then sell some of their products with a special (RED) design. When a customer purchases that product, the manufacturer will send a certain amount of the profits directly to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. So far, it has collected over $200 million, which the Global Fund has allocated to support aid for HIV/AIDS in Ghana, Lesotho, Rwanda, South Africa, Swaziland and Zambia, and have helped more than 14 million victims of HIV/AIDS through treatment, prevention and counseling. Disney will donate £.26 (roughly $.41) to the fund for every album purchased, enough to buy a day’s worth of life saving medication for someone living with HIV/AIDS in Africa.
Disney is actually projected to lose up to $190 million on The Lone Ranger, which is still in theaters, but has not been very successful, making the partnership with (RED) all the more generous. The album includes songs such as “Cowboy” by The Rubens, “Rattling Bone” by Iron and Wine, and “Lonesome Whistle” by Dave Alvin, and also includes a free download of a mini documentary video “The Making of The Lone Ranger.” It was released in the UK on August 5th, and can be purchased in the iTunes Music Store.
– Emma McKay
Sources: National Ledger, ContactMusic, The Global Fund
Photo: Huffington Post