WHAT A RELIEF
What’s the difference between Red Nose Day and Comic Relief?
Plus how the money YOU raise is spent
RED NOSE DAY is one of the biggest fundraising events in the UK and it is back for another year.
But some people often wonder if there is a difference between Comic Relief and Red Nose Day.
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What's the difference between Red Nose Day and Comic Relief?
Comic Relief is a charity which was started by Richard Curtis and co-founded by Sir Lenny Henry.
Red Nose Day is a fundraising event that takes place all day, where people and celebrities are encouraged to collect donations for Comic Relief.
This could include a bake sale, a sporting challenge or wearing red clothes to school.
Every year the charity also encourages people to buy one of their famous red noses, which change style every year.
Red Nose Day ends with the Comic Relief telethon.
This live show is hosted by Sir Lenny, and he is joined my numerous famous faces for an evening of fun and fundraising.
Throughout the night there are comedy sketches and live performances, as the viewers are encouraged to donate to Comic Relief's good causes.
Viewers are also shown how the money raised each year is spent.
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Is Red Nose Day on every year?
Comic Relief is an annual event, and happens every year.
It used to be on every two years to make way for Sport Relief.
Mollie King joined by 'grumpy' Greg James on Comic Relief Pedal Power challenge as Radio 1 star reveals huge new fundraising total
However this was axed in 2022, and now Red Nose Day and the Comic Relief telethon happens annually - with the next one taking place TODAY (March 15, 2024).
This will be Sir Lenny's last Comic Relief telethon, as the comedian announced he would be retiring from the annual telethon.
He said he would be stepping down as "it is time for someone else to take the reins".
What does Comic Relief raise money for?
Comic Relief provides help for disadvantaged people living in the UK and around the world.
Over the years over £1billion has been raised for the charity.
The Comic Relief charity is UK-based and aims to free the world from poverty.
It has also backed campaigns to help disabled people get back into work and to highlight abuse of the elderly.
If you ever feel powerless, Red Nose Day is the most powerful day of the year to change someone's life.
Comic Relief founder Richard Curtis
The charity helps countries who suffer from extreme poverty, either through war or famine.
When Comic Relief was started they were known for their work in Ethiopia, a country they continue to help to this day.
Speaking about the good causes that the charity supports, Comic Relief founder Richard Curtis told : “It's a pretty tough world at the moment and Comic Relief is still out there every single day, making sure refugees don't drown, getting women out of violent situations at home, making sure that kids survive until their fifth birthday.
"Honestly, if you ever feel powerless, Red Nose Day is the most powerful day of the year to change someone's life.”
Just stop talking for three hours and just see how popular that will be with your audience
Richard Curtis to Chris Evans
Asked about how people can do their bit, the Love Actually director said: “There’s the noses, buy them, there’s the T-shirts, buy them, they’re great.
"But I suppose the big thing today is for people to start thinking whether they can think of something to raise money.
"To try and do a sponsored thing.”
He joked to host Chris Evans: “There's a lot of enthusiasm in the office that you should do a sponsored silence on the show!
"You should just be here but not actually.
"Just stop talking for three hours and just see how popular that will be with your audience!”
Red Nose Day 2024 essential guide
Here's everything you need to know about this year's Comic Relief telethon:
- How to donate to Comic Relief and watch the big event.
- A look at the Red Nose Day 2024 theme and where to buy a red nose.
- The difference between Red Nose Day and Comic Relief.
- Follow Mollie King's Comic Relief bike ride challenge and how to pledge money.
- Take a look at the life of Comic Relief legend Lenny Henry.
- Full list of Comic Relief hosts - from David Tennant to Maya Jama.
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