Saving the World, One Hero at a Time

It is an epidemic that most Australians are only vaguely aware of, but one which threatens to devastate millions of people without immediate and effective intervention.

In 2011 alone, 1.7 million people died due to the AIDS virus, and it currently impacts over 22 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa.

But while the rate of infection is expected to dramatically rise to 95 million people within the next decade, an Australian-based socially responsible company is making a real difference in the fight against the spread of HIV/AIDS in Botswana, through both education and the distribution of free condoms to those who need them most.

As the creative genius behind HERO Condoms, University of Canberra graduate David Wommelsdorff has helped to distribute more than 650,000 condoms in both Australia and Botswana so far, with the 2016 donation goal to Botswana reaching an additional 2 million. 

 It is humbling to be involved in such an amazing project; one that truly is making a tangible impact on people's lives.

Changing the face of customer experience

In just over ten years, David has established himself as an expert in brand development, extension and activation. More recently, as Director and part owner of The Creative Shop, a digital marketing agency based in Sydney, David has been involved in revolutionising how brands utilise technology to reach, connect and interact with their customers. Working with the likes of major global clients such as Disney, Levis, Mercedes-Benz, Intel and MTV; David and his team have produced award-winning campaigns using unique interactive experiences.

But it is through his work with sporting organisations that David has really shined, changing the way fans experience attending live sporting events. Odds are, if you have attended a major sporting event locally or globally, you have participated in an activity created by David and his team.

Sport brings people together and brands are well aware of this. It's our job to ensure that there is a strong alignment between the sporting asset and the brand, and that the fan experience is authentic.

Turning creativity to making a difference 

On top of this, David is part owner and Chief Marketing Officer at HERO Condoms, a socially responsible condom company, whereby for every condom sold, a condom is donated to a developing country to help fight the spread of HIV/AIDS and save lives.

In 2013, the HERO team travelled to Botswana to establish distribution channels and to experience the issue firsthand. The team quickly realised that whilst charitable organisations were distributing free condoms already, the process could be greatly improved by gaining input from the locals about packaging and quality.

Returning in 2015, HERO donated 500,000 customised condoms to the people of Botswana, with plans to deliver over 2 million condoms in 2016.

Adopting the slogan 'make love, change the world' HERO Condoms is beginning to make a huge difference to not only the people of Botswana, but also by encouraging the people of Australia that by making conscious choices when in the supermarket, they too can play their part in creating positive social change.   

David Wommelsdorff Bachelor of Communication (Advertising and Marketing), University of Canberra (2003) David Wommelsdorff is a Director and part owner of The Creative Shop, an interactive marketing agency based in Sydney, and Chief Marketing Officer and part owner of HERO Condoms, a socially responsible condom company. He completed a Bachelor of Communication majoring in Advertising and Marketing at the University of Canberra in 2003. A leader in brand development and activation, David has played a leading role in revolutionising the way fans experience brands and sporting events. David is also a passionate philanthropist, working not only with HERO Condoms, but also the Blue Guitar Project and i-Manifest. You can connect with David via LinkedIn.

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