NEWS FEED

Media uses marketing for aid

Written by Amy Taylor, Feature Editor

As junior Jennifer Reaume plugged her headphones into her ears, she felt a sense of satisfaction knowing that the CD she had just bought on iTunes was going to help people in need.

Reaume had just bought the album Hope for Haiti Now; A Global Benefit for Earthquake Relief,  featuring artists such as Mary J. Blige, Justin Timberlake, Coldplay and Beyonce.

“I bought the CD because I felt bad for the unfortunate people who had been victims of the disaster over there,” Reaume said. “I like doing things like that because it gives me a good feeling knowing that I was a part of something that helped out other people. The fact that the album’s proceeds went to a good cause made me want to buy it more just because I realize how bad some people have it in Haiti; they don’t have anything, so that made me purchase it.”

Recently, charitable organizations have been taking a new approach to raising money for their causes by using the proceeds from the sales of music and movies.

“Products like these make a difference. I’ve been to a church concert that was for Red Cross. I think companies are beginning to realize America is very fortunate, and we have a lot of money compared to these third world countries so we need to help out,” Reaume said. “I think that it is a great idea because it will help us look good and feel good about ourselves by helping out. I think this will also make business sales go up.”

Sophomore Melany Perez has not only purchased songs to benefit charities, but she has also bought tickets to several Disney movies that support the animals featured in the films. The movie Chimpanzee donated a portion of its proceeds during the first week to the Jane Goodall Institute.

“I decided to see those movies because I love animals,” Perez said. “I think I would’ve seen the movies either way, but I like helping them. I also bought a benefit CD when the earthquakes hit in Japan. I bought some songs off of that CD and the money went to Japan. I decided to buy these songs because I really like the culture of Japan, so I wanted to help out.”