Scarlett Johansson Goes to Rwanda to See RED

Many celebrities support a variety of causes, but when that celebrity makes the effort to see that charity in action, it makes a big difference in not only how they feel about the cause, but the impact they have on other people regarding the cause. I’m far more likely to contribute after hearing a first-hand account.

Scarlett Johansson visited Rwanda recently on behalf of the (RED) organization. She wanted a better understanding of what exactly the health crisis there entailed, and, in addition, she drew more attention to the country’s fight against AIDS. She wasn’t just there to look on, either — the starlet worked with volunteers to help those who were sick and needy.

She said, “I came here with an open mind, wanting to listen, understand and learn; I leave with the overwhelming understanding that the small action of making a (RED) choice in your purchases in the West has an enormous impact on the lives of people in countries like Rwanda.”

Johansson knew that seeing this health crisis first hand was the only way to truly understand what she was fighting for and supporting, saying, “It’s not until you’ve had the privilege of meeting healthcare providers who are fighting the daily battle, heard from people who are now getting antiretroviral drugs to stay alive, and met mothers whose babies are born healthy because they received treatment that stopped the transmission of HIV, that you understand that we absolutely can do something to reverse the AIDS crisis in African countries.”

Maybe we can’t all see it first hand, but Johansson’s passionate plea will certainly be in my mind the next time I have the option to purchase a (RED) product. How about you?

Photo courtesy of askmen.com