2005.02.02 - RED NOSE DAY

A clown style red nose is the symbol of Red Nose Day. It's a massive fundraising event held by Comic Relief every two years. The next one will be Friday 11 March 2005 and people all over the UK can take part.

What is Comic Relief?

Comic Relief is about having fun and making the world a better place. The organisation raises money and then uses it to help end poverty and unfairness. It works in the UK and also in the poorest countries in the world. Here's what it does:

• Gets money in: Raises money from the public in the UK by getting them involved in fun special events.
• Shares money out: Does a lot of research to find out which charities to support and then carefully decides how best to spend the money the public donated.
• Educates people: Explains the causes of poverty in Africa and problems faced by groups and communities in the UK. Also lets people in the UK know how they can change things for the better.

How did it start?

Comic Relief was set up in 1985. It was started by comedians who wanted to use comedy and laughter to let people know about poverty in the UK and in Africa. It was launched in 1985, from a refugee camp in Sudan. The launch was broadcast live on Christmas Day on BBC 1. Since then over L337 million has been raised for some of the poorest and most vulnerable people across the UK and Africa.

Where does the cash go?

Sixty percent of Red Nose Day money is spent in Africa and forty percent in the UK. A group of 20 experts carefully work out which projects should receive money. Since Comic Relief started 20 years ago they have raised over L337 million and made over 7,000 grants. Over L169 million has gone to projects working with poor and disadvantaged people in Africa. In the UK, over L99 million has been given to projects working vulnerable and disadvantaged groups and communities.

Examples of projects:

UK :Bullying is a big problem for young people and can lead to huge amounts of distress and anxiety. The Merseyside Anti-Bullying Steering Group provides a telephone helpline and support for young people affected by bullying.

Africa: During the years of conflict in Sierra Leone, many young boys and girls were forced to join armies and were traumatised by their experiences. Comic Relief is helping to reunite some of them with their families and to give some, especially girls, an opportunity to go school and learn a trade.

Glossary for the unit