SEATTLE—On May 26, over $34 million was raised in the name of Red Nose Day. Red Nose Day is an annual event during which participants wear a red clown nose to show support for the fight against global poverty.
By working with celebrities, businesses, volunteers and aid organizations, Comic Relief Inc., the business that founded Red Nose Day, has raised over $1 billion in the past 25 years.
This year, a portion of that money came from The Red Nose Day Special on NBC. According to NBC.com, the event featured comedy, music performances, and short films meant to raise awareness for children in need around the world. The star-studded special included more than 65 celebrities like Jack Black, Anna Kendrick, Craig Ferguson and even Kobe Bryant.
All donations toward Red Nose Day go to organizations that help children in poverty at home and around the world. This year, Red Nose Day’s global charity partners included: Gavi, charity: water, The Global Fund, Oxfam America and Save the Children.
Gavi Vaccine Alliance
Gavi works with multiple sectors in order to provide children access to vaccines no matter where they may live. Since 2000, Gavi has reached 500 million children and prevented more than seven million deaths.
Luckily, Gavi is not stopping there. In fact, Gavi.org claims that the organization plans to get affordable vaccinations to 300 million more children by 2020, which could save an additional five to six million lives.
charity: water
For many, access to water is rarely a concern, yet individuals in developing nations often have to travel several hours each day just to bring a small amount of drinkable water to their family.
Charitywater.org states that the number of people in the world that do not have access to clean water is double the population of the U.S. Consequently, charity: water provides freshwater wells, rain catchers and filters at marginal cost to people in developing nations.
The Global Fund
The Global Fund is an organization working to end HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria. In fact, in countries where The Global Fund invests, deaths from these illnesses have decreased by one third.
The Global Fund does not work on the ground. Instead, they use funds to assist in implementing effective health systems for areas in need.
Oxfam America
This organization works to hit poverty at its roots. Education is power for those in poverty, and Oxfam America understands this. If impoverished people learned their rights, they will become less likely to be victims of injustice.
Additionally, by educating the general public, Oxfam America changes the way people perceive poverty and its causes. This organization also provides immediate relief and campaigns for systemic change for those in need.
Save the Children
As its name suggests, Save the Children focuses on alleviating childhood poverty in the U.S. and around the world. This organization provides disaster relief, education, early life care, protection, and health and nutrition services. Overall, Save the Children’s goal is to make sure every child gets a great start.
For many, wearing a red nose may seem silly, but a little laughter can be a powerful force to bring people together. Next year in May when Red Nose Day comes along, donators can continue to feel safe knowing that their money is going to capable organizations working to end disease, hunger, thirst and poverty for children around the world.
– Weston Northrop
Photo: Flickr