World Aids Day 2008 - Irish Designers Gift Wrap Launch

The Rose Project Gift Wrap

Five key Irish designers have joined forces this year in a unique fundraising initiative for The Rose Project, marking the launch of a new ‘Mother to Child Campaign’ and the fifth anniversary of this Irish AIDS humanitarian organisation founded by Mary Donohoe.

John Rocha, Helen Cody, Aideen Bodkin, Fiona Hanley and Maree Hensey have each designed a print for gift wrapping paper that will go on sale throughout the country from December 1 2008.

Compiling five unique and signature designs from each designer, this pack of gift wrapping paper includes five large sheets of recycled paper produced and printed in Ireland. The giftwrap is suitable for use throughout the year, and available to buy at €5 from key retailers in Ireland including Clerys, Arnotts, Brown Thomas, Reads, Hughes and Hughes and leading fashion boutiques Khan and Diffusion.

Launching as a full media campaign on November 24th 2008, all proceeds generated through the giftwrap are going to The Rose Project’s ‘Mother-to-Child’ campaign.

This ‘Mother-to-Child’ campaign will direct funding and resources to stop HIV in children via mother-to-children transmission of the virus, which is the second most common form of transmission today. Each year 30,000 babies are born with the HIV virus in Malawi, 30,000 new cases of HIV that are preventable through treatment. This treatment includes not only the dispensing of the life-saving anti-retroviral drugs but also nutrition, treatment, counselling and care for the mother and child. The Rose Project is committed to raising €1million over three years which will be used to test and treat thousands of pregnant mothers and their children in East and Southern Africa.

All of the designers have given their time and expertise to this project free of charge, in support of the Mother-to-Child Campaign and draw on a range of inspiration:

John Rocha uses his signature star design in a festive red colour inspired by the natural happy quality of the star to celebrate the progress the Rose Project has achieved throughout the last five years.

Helen Cody specialises in bespoke couture pieces, each one individually crafted and finished with hand dyed silk linings, Victorian embellishments, vintage ribbons, embroidered lace and crystals. Helen has chosen to use her signature lace for the Rose Project wrapping paper, delicate and pretty it is ideal for a subtle Christmas wrapping paper, wedding or any occasion throughout the year.

Aideen Bodkin took inspiration from a t-shirt design she created for The Rose Project last year using the symbol of the rose set against the bright colours seen in traditional African dress and jewellery for the background. The various colours were picked to represent happiness, festivity and diversity and the result is an Andy Warhol-esque pattern.

Using a monochromatic palette, Maree Hensey’s design focuses on a circular pattern. The circle is the most common and universal sign, found in all cultures, with a limitless and boundless quality. With no beginning or end, and no division, the circle is a symbol of unity.

Fiona Hanley’s design evokes a sense of joy and celebration using the symbol of the rose to celebrate the work.  The Rose Project has accomplished over the last five years. Inspired by the effect proper medical care has on a person gravely ill with AIDS and its’ miraculous nature, Fiona’s design truly evokes a sense of celebration.

The Rose Project Gift Wrap concept was generated by Direct Marketing firm Dialogue, and all printing arranged by RR Donnelley.

The Gift Wrap is available at stockists nationwide.