The fifth annual Red Nose Day takes place Thursday, part of a fundraising effort to help end child poverty.
Here’s what to know:
Who came up with the idea?
Red Nose Day started in the U.K. in 1988. In 2015, the public charity Comic Relief USA launched the campaign in the U.S. To date, the campaign says it has raised almost $150 million, including $47 million in the past year.
How do I get a nose?
This year, Walgreens is selling a plain nose, along with four others with cute faces that the company calls “everyday heroes,” for $2 each. Of that sum, $1.30 goes to the fund. Walgreens does not make a profit from the merchandise sales and you can’t take a nose purchase as a tax deduction. Since 2015, Walgreens has sold more than 40 million red noses.
People also can make a monetary, tax-deductible donation directly to the campaign through its website, rednoseday.org.
Who else is involved?
M&M’s, a Mars Wrigley Confectionery brand, is a national partner and will contribute $1 million in funding. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is a programming partner. NBC has celebrity-filled Red Nose Day programming planned at 7 p.m. Thursday.
Where does the money go?
Half of the money supports programs in the 50 states and Puerto Rico while the other half is used to help fund programs in poor communities in Latin America, Africa and Asia. The funds raised help buy vaccines and other medical services, meals, and educational assistance, among other things.