Red Nose Day

Red Nose Day History

Red Nose Day is dedicated to ending child poverty, both in the United States and in some of the poorest communities worldwide. The campaign is run by the non-profit organization Comic Relief USA, aimed at eradicating poverty and social injustice through entertainment, comedy, and fun.

Red Nose Day's history can be traced back to 1985 when renowned scriptwriters Richard Curtis and Sir Lenny Henry created Comic Relief UK. Moved by the famine in Ethiopia, they sought to use their platform for social transformation. The inaugural U.S. version of Red Nose Day was held in 2015. Since then, over $240 million has been raised, positively impacting more than 25 million lives to-date. Safety, health, and education are a few of the vital areas this campaign consistently supports.

An important aspect of Red Nose Day is its iconic Red Noses, symbolic of the campaign’s creative, fun-filled approach towards awareness and fundraising for their cause. Celebrities community events, live broadcasts and social media campaigns and influencers often participate in in support of this cause. Red Nose Day is held annually on the last Thursday in May.

Facts about Red Nose Day

• According to the U.S. Census, in 2023, reports showed that more than 11.5 million kids in the US were living in poverty, with Mississippi having the highest child poverty rate.
• In 2022, Red Nose Day will celebrate its eighth year as an organization which has helped raise over $275 million and which has impacted the lives of 30 million children.
• Red Nose Day has several strategic areas that it focuses on in order to support children and foster change in the world. These areas include:
  1) Safety
  2) Health
  3) Education
  4) Crisis Response
• Funds raised through Red Nose Day have helped millions of disadvantaged people in the UK and around the world, improving the lives of those living in poverty and tackling issues such as homelessness, hunger, and disease.

In the News and Trending for Red Nose Day

Top things to do for Red Nose Day

• Wear a red nose. The red nose is the symbol of Red Nose Day. It encourages everyone to come together and share a laugh. It's a fun way to help raise awareness about child poverty.
• Help support the Full Plate Project, a campaign by Red Nose Day to provide families with holiday meals. The campaign also looks for long term solutions to food insecurity and child hunger. Learn more at Full Plate Project.
• Explore 4 ways to give back at Red Nose Day.