By now, we've grown accustomed to global health days throughout the year, raising awareness of various diseases and epidemics.  But here's a pop quiz: do you know what the first one was?  

World AIDS Day -- the first-ever worldwide health observance -- first took place in 1988, when the subject of HIV was still largely taboo and awareness of what it was and how to prevent it was slim at best.  Every December 1 since that day, a formal worldwide opportunity has presented itself for people to unite in the fight against HIV, show their support for people living with it and commemorate those who've lost their lives to it.  More than anything, the day has historically focused on awareness and fundraising.  And this year's no exception; to wit, PROJECT (RED) is debuting its first-ever comprehensive online boutique full of items whose proceeds benefit AIDS charities.  Through a creative partnership with shopping site Gilt.com, the shop opens to Gilt members this Saturday and will remain online through December 16.  (Gilt.com memberships, by the way, are free.)

Whether it's a burlap FEED bag, a smartphone case, a limited edition red bottle of Belvedere vodka or even a latte at Starbucks (the purchase of which will direct 5 cents per beverage on December 1 to (RED) charities), you can do your part to support the cause through your purchases, or you can make a donation, join the social media conversation, or simply take a moment to educate yourself on the subject.  Whichever you choose, you can be a part of a historic day designed to end an epidemic: the campaign's goal is to eradicate AIDS altogether by 2015.  As far as we're concerned, that's a red hot reason to get involved.