For every SQUA(RED) Reader ordered, 97.25% of the $10 donation amount will go to the Global Fund to fight AIDS. The donation amounts to more than 24 days of life-saving medication for someone living with HIV in Africa. The SQUA(RED) Reader also raises awareness of the epidemic with every credit card swipe: When sellers swipe with a SQUA(RED) Reader, their customers can learn more and donate directly to the Global Fund from their digital receipts.

“Square already helps millions of local sellers run and grow their business, and now with SQUA(RED) Reader, we’re empowering them to raise awareness for an important cause and help save lives in the process,” said Jack Dorsey, CEO of Square.

Adds Deborah Dugan, CEO of (RED), “Our partnership with Square is truly special in that it’s the ultimate marriage of two key (RED) pillars: consumer activism and digital innovation. With the new SQUA(RED) Reader, the pioneering team at Square has created a beautiful (RED) product that allows small businesses everywhere to turn their transactions into an AIDS fighting machine. This is an exciting first step towards revolutionizing the way charities fundraise and raise awareness among consumers!”

Starting today, local businesses across the U.S. are using SQUA(RED) Reader to engage their customers in the fight to end AIDS, including Valerie Confections in Los Angeles, King of Pops in Atlanta, and more than 30 sellers at Artists & Fleas in New York City, a market for independent designers and artists in the city’s Chelsea Market.

“Artists & Fleas is committed to both helping small businesses grow and doing the right thing for our community,” said Ronen Gilmer, the market’s founder. “As designers and artists in New York City, fighting AIDS is a cause that is close to our hearts. We're proud to join forces with RED, Square, and our customers, and do our part to help make an AIDS-free generation a reality."

To learn more about the SQUA(RED) partnership, please visit red.org.