Starbucks expands AIDS in Africa donations program

Beginning on Thanksgiving, Starbucks will give 5 cents for every holiday drink that is purchased to combat AIDS in Africa.

On Dec. 1, the company will extend the contribution to include every drink bought that day at participating stores in honor of the 20th anniversary of World AIDS Day.

The program is part of Starbucks' new partnership with Red, an organization that raises funds to eliminate AIDS in Africa. Since it was launched in spring 2006, Red has raised $112 million. It partners with other companies including Converse, Gap and Hallmark.

To advertise its Red program, Starbucks' new brand agency, BBDO New York, has created a TV commercial that will air twice an hour all day today on CNN and The Weather Channel. That means people traveling for Thanksgiving will see it in the many airports that tune to those channels.

Additionally, Starbucks said all the espresso sold at its stores in the United Kingdom and Ireland will be Fair Trade certified by the end of 2009.

Melissa Allison: 206-464-3312 or mallison@seattletimes.com