About Red Nose Day

by Cece Nash

Overview

The name may sound silly, but the purpose of Red Nose Day is anything but. The British fund-raiser asks celebrities and common folks to ham it up with activities that raise money for underprivileged people of all ages in the United Kingdom and Africa. The event's slogan is "Do something funny for money."
Origin

Comic Relief organization founder and film writer Richard Curtis created the first Red Nose Day in 1988. The BBC caps the day with live television coverage of the event and celebrity entertainment. Schools take part, with almost 60 percent actively raising money.

Significance

Funds help communities in need, including those who struggle with mental illness or domestic violence, children living on the street or in unsanitary conditions, or HIV and malaria victims. Sixty percent of the funds go to projects in Africa, while the rest is spread across the U.K.
Features

Wearable red noses have become the event's signature souvenir. More than 50 million themed noses have been sold as of 2009. Nose designs include a shaggy nose, a tomato nose and a nose that changes colors.
Geography

Red Nose Day spawned similar events for causes in countries including Australia, Germany and Finland. Australia, for example, raises money for SIDS research and programs for grieving families.
Fun Fact

Author J.K. Rowling put together two books, "Quidditch Through the Ages" and "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them," for the Comic Relief event.

Overview