Early years settings and schools are being encouraged to ‘take silly seriously’ and do something funny to raise money for those facing poverty and injustice -being forced to make ‘truly impossible choices every single day’.
Comic Relief, the charity behind Red Nose Day, says that a donation could help to put food on plates and roofs over heads, keep infants safe and help support families affected by conflict and climate change.
Fundraising ideas include:
- Baking a wonky, weird and wonderful cake.
- A Red Nose Day disco.
- A sponsored challenge such as a skipping race, all-day silence or a dance-a-thon dressed in onesies.
Red Noses will also go on sale this year to raise money for the charity, with five designs to collect and a 1 in 166 chance to find a super limited edition rare ‘Gold’ Nose. The Noses, which are available through Amazon, are made from plant-based materials meaning they can be recycled at home.
To launch Red Nose Day, a sketch featuring Sir Lenny Henry, Simon Cowell, Dame Joan Collins and Vogue Williams, has been filmed (see video below).
Samir Patel, chief executive of Comic Relief, said, ‘Schools have been at the very heart of Red Nose Day since the very first campaign in 1988 and every year we are blown away not only by the tremendous amounts of money they raise but also by their creativity and the joy and laughter they bring to their fantastic fundraising efforts.
‘As a parent myself I know the excitement that comes with giving pupils the chance to unleash their silliest selves and so we hope the theme of this Red Nose Day – Do Something Funny for Money - will be a fun opportunity for children and young people to let loose and plan something they really enjoy.
Patel added, ‘The money raised this Red Nose Day could help provide shelter for those that need it, safe spaces for those in danger, support food banks, and help to support families affected by conflict and climate change in the UK and around the world.’
- To access Red Nose Day’s free resource, including bunting, posters, quiz packs, lesson plans and more, visit www.comicrelief.com/schools-24
