James Applegath, owner of Defunkd emailed me about a great charity auction he is hosting for Africa Aid. Defunked is an online vintage t-shirt boutique specializing in the sale of rare and collectible concert t-shirts. Africa Aid, a non-profit organization which provides financial assistance to underprivileged African communities through a range of initiatives, from AIDS-related issues to education and sustainable development. It started with 20 original Live Aid concert tshirts he found at one of his supply outlets.

“It is without a doubt my best discovery,” he says. “I have never come across one of these shirts, let alone twenty of them in pristine condition. I felt a little like Geraldo Rivera did, searching through Al Capone’s vaults – except I actually found something.” Having been involved in other community and charitable efforts, Applegath realized the value of these shirts extended beyond their monetary worth. “After doing some research, I learned that hunger issues in Africa have long been overshadowed by the rise in prominence over AIDS. I figured that my partnership with Africa Aid and this auction would be a great way to raise funds for a cause that needs renewed awareness,” he added. Applegath says that in the past, some Live Aid shirts have fetched up to $500 in online auctions.

In an effort to pay homage to the aims of the original Live Aid concert, Africa Aid has chosen their School Lunch Program to be the recipient of the proceeds. This program provides a nutritious lunch daily to hundreds of refugee children in Ghana.

image: defunkd.com