Celebrate Red Nose Day USA in May
In late May we have fun for a serious cause, fighting childhood poverty.
It’s Red Nose Day in the United States, and everyone is encouraged to wear a red nose and either donate or fund raise (or both!).
Red Nose Day actually began 30 years ago, with a fundraiser in Sudan. It was Christmas Day in 1985 and Comic Relief UK broadcast live from a refugee camp there. The broadcast launched both the Comic Relief UK charity and its now-famous fundraiser Red Nose Day.
The UK’s Red Nose Day is held in March and has raised more than $1 billion since it began.
Red Nose Day USA is obviously a separate event. But it is related. It raises money for the same fund, The Red Nose Day Fund. And the organization sponsoring the day, Comic Relief, Inc., is a sister organization to Comic Relief UK.
The plan is for the Fund to use the money raised to give out grants to charity partners. These partners include the Global Fund, Children’s Health Fund, Feeding America and others.
Walgreens Boots Alliance, M&Ms and NBC cosponsored the 2015 inaugural event.
Scroll down for some ideas on celebrating this “star-studded” unofficial fundraising holiday.
How to Celebrate Red Nose Day USA
First, buy a red nose to wear!
But consider getting yours early! For the 2015 inaugural day demand was higher than expected. Original news stories said noses would be available until August 31. But with a week to go before the event, they were predicting to be completely sold out by the weekend before the day. That’s 5 million red noses sold!
Hopefully they’ve got a better idea of demand now that it’s been a few years. But if you really want one, don’t chance it! :)
Assuming you have your red nose, wear it and:
- Take a selfie, then post it to Twitter, Instagram and/or Facebook. Use the hashtag #RedNose.
- Pledge a donation to the Red Nose Day Fund for each like, share or retweet.
- Use it to spark conversations about why you’re participating and how others can help. Don’t be pushy, of course. But talk with anyone who seems interested or curious.
Hold a fundraiser. The Red Nose Day website has a page of fundraising ideas. You’ll also find a bunch of downloadable tools, like logos, event posters, and more.
Check out the Red Nose Day Facebook page for last-minute news, too!
Can’t do a fundraiser yourself? Donate online or at a local Red Nose Day event.
How are you celebrating this year’s Red Nose Day?
[…] Red Nose Day USA: Wear a red nose & raise funds for a good cause. Or donate to a good cause. Can’t donate or fundraise this year? Wear your red nose & spread the word! […]