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Help fight child poverty with Red Nose Day

Posted at 5:18 AM, May 24, 2018
and last updated 2018-05-24 06:18:08-04

Today is Red Nose Day here in the United States. Odds are you’re one of the many Americans who don’t know exactly what that means. 

The short explanation: It’s a campaign to raise money to fight child poverty.  

In the United States alone, 15 million children, or 21 percent of all the children in the country, suffer from childhood poverty. 

Child poverty doesn’t just mean a lack of resources or money. It also means hunger, an inability to receive education or healthcare, and numerous other problems. 

This year, Red Nose Day is inviting everyone to go Nose to Nose. It is the simple act of two people touching Red Noses in a fun, light way to create shareable social content while encouraging donations for the cause. 

Buy two noses at Walgreens, go Nose to Nose, and snap a selfie or video. Share it with the hashtag #GONOSETONOSE then make a donation at rednoseday.org. 

Challenge your friends to do the same. It’s a fun and easy way to participate. 

"The simple purchase of a Red Nose inspires Walgreens greater commitment to trust, care and accessibility, building on the idea that small purchases maintained by Walgreens’ larger pledge extend support to our communities here, and around the world," said Walgreens store manager Ben Jung. 

Red Nose Day is a fundraising campaign run by Comic Relief Inc. that launched in the US in 2015, and is dedicated to ending child poverty in the US and in some of the poorest communities in the world. 

"Red Nose Day raised over $100 million in its first three years in the US, impacting the lives of over 8 million children in all 50 states and global communities," said Jung.  

"From now until June 2nd, customers can participate and show their support by purchasing a Red Nose for $1, with all profits from all sales benefitting Red Nose Day.  Following the success of past campaigns, Walgreens is committed to continuing to raise funds through the sale of Red Noses and Red Nose Day merchandise by reminding Americans that "Every One Counts" – a simple idea that helping end child poverty can start with buying one Red Nose at Walgreens," said Jung. 

Some of the things the money funds include meals, access to education and life-saving vaccines, according to the campaign’s official website. 

Money also goes to communities in Latin America, Asia and Africa. 

There were more than two million children impacted by Red Nose Day funds in 2016.  

Where does the money go? 
Red Nose Day benefits charities that focus on child poverty both in the U.S. and abroad. The list of partner charities includes:

  • Boys & Girls Clubs of America
  • Children’s Health Fund
  • Covenant House
  • Feeding America
  • Gavi, the vaccine alliance
  • UnidosUS
  • Save the Children
  • The Global Fund

"This year’s iconic Red Nose will have an extra twinkle, as Walgreens introduces its first ever "Sparkle Red Nose." The new edition – which people wear in support of the official Red Nose Day on Thursday, May 24 – hit store shelves at Walgreens and Duane Reade locations nationwide this morning, officially kick starting the eight-week charitable campaign," said Jung.
 
For more information on Red Nose Day and how to get involved, visit http://walgreens.com/RedNoseDay