What is Comic Relief and Red Nose Day?
• Set up by the comedy community 18 years ago, Comic Relief uses comedy and laughter to get across messages about issues and problems that affect the lives of many people. The heart of what Comic Relief is about is their commitment to help end poverty and social injustice. • Comic Relief was launched live on BBC ONE on Christmas Day 1985 from a refugee camp in Sudan. The charity began with a few live events and the first Red Nose Day was broadcast three years later in 1988. Since then there have been eight Red Nose Days that have raised more than £250 million. Red Nose Day 2001 raised £55 million alone. • The projects that Comic Relief support cover a huge range of issues. Red Nose Day money in Africa has educated people about HIV and AIDS, taught women to read, immunised children and helped people rebuild their communities. Across the UK it has helped disabled people challenge prejudice and discrimination, supported older people in their fight to get their rights recognised and provid
