Gisele Bundchen Poses to Fight AIDS in Africa

Gisele Bundchen is currently said to be the highest paid model in the industry, with a salary going over the $25 million mark for 2007. As it happens, this does not stop her from thinking of others as well, and doing her best to give something in return. Her latest Elle photoshoot is precisely her way of giving back, for it is meant to raise awareness and money for several AIDS programs in Africa.

Elle magazine has teamed up with the (Red) initiative, known for its collaboration with huge brands such as Gap and Converse and, by using Gisele’s image, it will attempt to reach out to a wider audience as to the issue of AIDS in Africa. The photos of the shoot that the Brazilian model has just taken part in will be divided so as to span across some 30 editions of the renowned magazine. The March issue of Elle will be on newsstands tomorrow, and will mark the beginning of the collaboration with Gisele.

Speaking with Elle, the supermodel reveals that this is not just an image thing that she is doing, like many other celebrities out there, since she knows from experience what it’s like to live in poverty, therefore these AIDS programs now in place in Africa are essential in the fight against the disease. Naturally, raising money for them is an honor for Gisele, she also says.

“I grew up in a country strongly affected by poverty. On street corners you see kids doing things on the wrong side of the law. The face of suffering isn’t an abstract thing for me, and I’ve always said to myself that if I could do something to help, I would.” Gisele tells Elle. Moreover, if people buy (Red) branded products (part of the sales going straight to these programs), they will have the satisfaction of knowing that they have done something good, while also getting quality in return for their money. “Follow your instincts and your heart: if you are able to buy and help others at the same time, why deny yourself the pleasure?” Gisele explains.

For more Gisele Bundchen shots, pick up the latest issue of Elle magazine tomorrow.