What’s with the red noses? It seems as if celebrities everywhere are showing up with large red noses plastered to their faces, all while talking about something called Red Nose Day.
Blake Shelton’s doing it and Heidi Klum is doing it. Emily Blunt, John Krasinski, Jennifer Aniston, Coldplay, Julia Roberts, Matt Lauer, Neil Patrick Harris, and Anna Kendrick are all doing it.
But what exactly is Red Nose Day?
According to NBC New York , Red Nose Day is a day in which celebrities and everyday Joes join together to help raise money for children living in poverty. According to a 2012 report by the U.S. Census Bureau, almost 20 percent of American children live in poverty. The money raised will be donated among 12 charities that help children living in poverty. Some of those charities include the United Way, Boys & Girls Club of America, and Children’s Health Fund.
Our team is ALL IN for #RedNose Day! Tune in Thursday from 8-11ET on #NBC . https://t.co/myg6vhMIHv
— Save the Children US (@SavetheChildren) May 18, 2015
Red Nose Day has been celebrated in the United Kingdom for more than 30 years. In the UK, the event is held every two years. May 21 marks the first time that Red Nose Day will come to the United States, and Will Ferrell , with his Funny or Die outfit, has played a large role in that.
On May 21, NBC will air a three-hour Red Nose Day TV special, which is expected to include videos produced by Funny or Die, live performances, and public service announcement-type films. Red Nose Day has seen great success overseas, where the events have raised more than $1 billion throughout the past 30 years.
ICYM Rob to Participate in NBC’s Red Nose Day USA 8/7c This Thursday! @RedNoseDayUS #RedNose http://t.co/sAkAgKTEGo pic.twitter.com/WwcGmBH22h
— Robert Pattinson (@robpattinsonww) May 18, 2015
Plenty of celebrities have gotten on board for the event, and you can, too. Getting involved in Red Nose Day is as simple as visiting your local Walgreens and purchasing a red nose. The noses cost $1, half of which goes to the Red Nose Day Fund. Don’t wait to get your nose, though. According to Liberty Voice , the noses are going quickly.
“Walgreen’s is reporting tremendous sales, much higher than anticipated, with some stores running out of the clown noses as they are selling fast in full-swing anticipation of Red Nose Day.”
Once you’ve purchased your nose, take a selfie and upload it to your favorite social media account. All social media accounts are fair game, and there is also a Red Nose Day app.
If shooting photos in a red clown nose isn’t exactly your thing, you can skip the shenanigans and simply donate directly to the Red Nose Day Fund. Like any other charity, the fund accepts donation to help aid the cause.
Finally, don’t forget to tune in and watch the Red Nose Day special on NBC, which is sure to be loaded with star power and plenty of hilarious jokes!
Have you heard of Red Nose Day? Will you watch the special?
[Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images]