( CNN ) The Salvation Army in South Africa is using # thedress to spread a different kind of message about the colors black and blue . The organization is using the viral sensation to spread awareness about domestic violence . An ad shows a model wearing a white and gold dress resembling the one that caused an Internet meltdown last week as people debated whether the garment was n't actually black and blue instead . The model also sports bruises on her face and body . The caption reads `` Why is it so hard to see black and blue ? The only illusion is if you think it was her choice . '' The ad has received mostly positive response . The dress , which is sold by the British company Roman , is actually black and blue . Julia Haller , the ophthalmologist-in-chief at Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia , explained that different people saw different colors because eyes perceive colors in a slightly different way , based on genes .
# thedress was an Internet sensation : Is it blue and black or white and gold ? The Salvation Army in South Africa is using it to raise awareness . The reaction has been mostly positive .