M·A·C Cosmetics created Kids Helping Kids greeting cards in 1994 to directly address the ever-increasing impact of HIV/AIDS on children, The cards are sold during the winter holiday season with 100% of the selling price donated to a pediatric HIV/AIDS organization and other related groups. Each year the beautifully illustrated holiday cards are created by children ages 3 to 15, who are affected by HIV/AIDS.  The cards are sold at participating M·A·C counters worldwide during November and December in sets of six cards for $6.00 USD and gift tags in sets of 12 for $6.00 USD, and are also available on www.maccosmetics.com.  This year, M∙A∙C introduces special gift wrapping paper to the collection.

M∙A∙C created these items from artwork submitted by youth ages 3-15 who participate with Camp Heartland, based in Minnesota.  Founded in 1993, Camp Heartland is dedicated to improving the lives of children, youth and their families facing HIV/AIDS and other life challenges.  The M∙A∙C AIDS Fund has provided funding to Camp Heartland since 2001, totaling more than $180,000 in support.

For 2007, the North American recipient of Kids Helping Kids product sales is YouthAIDS, a division of Population Services International, to implement an innovative pilot community outreach program, addressing HIV prevention among youth and teens in Vietnam.  YouthAIDS is a leader in using peer education as an effective HIV-prevention method. 

In Vietnam, the HIV epidemic is concentrated in young injection drug users and sex worker populations, with growing transmission to their sexual partners.  This program allows for youth that are HIV-positive to get the care and support they need and to become aware of behavior change needed to avoid transmitting the disease to others.  The HIV prevalence rate in this area is rising and is extremely high among youth who are at the highest risk.  Prevention is key to battling the crisis. 

The YouthAIDS program targets HIV-positive youth and provides them an inlet to care and support.  For youth who are HIV-negative, this program allows them to know their status and teaches them ways to stay HIV-negative.  Components to the campaign includes HIV prevention messages prominently displayed on billboards and posters throughout the provinces and ones that promote the accessibility and functionality of the youth centers.

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