Every August, we invite Australians everywhere to get silly for a serious cause to help stop little lives being cut short and support grieving families.

Red Nose Day was the first ever national fundraising day of its kind in Australia. This much-loved and iconic event began in the hope of raising awareness and funds for SIDS research. The first campaign was a huge sucess, raising over $1.3 million and selling over one million red noses!

Part of that success was due to the Red Nose Day tagline – getting silly for a serious cause – which encourages people to go out and do something fun - wear a red nose, look a bit silly and make people smile, without taking away from the seriousness of the cause. To this day it still brings together communities all across Australia to make a difference for families in need.

Because of Red Nose Day, we now have an evidence-based safe sleep program and other resources that parents, carers and health professionals can implement to reduce the risk of babies dying in their sleep, which is estimated to have saved over 12,000 little lives.

The $18 million raised for research since the first Red Nose Day has catalysed research into the reasons why babies die suddenly in their sleep.

Today, Red Nose Day funds research into SIDS and stillbirth, and provides free support to families that have experienced SIDS, stillbirth, SUDI, and miscarriage, among other things.

The impact of Red Nose Day

12,069

babies saved since the first Red Nose Day

$18 million

invested into vital research

80%

reduction in sudden infant deaths

Our focus

We are making significant progress towards our goal of zero preventable deaths of babies and children during pregnancy, infancy and early childhood.

Every day in Australia, 6 babies are stillborn and 2 die within 28 days of birth. Support for Red Nose Day means we can continue to be there for bereaved families and parents, and work towards a future where no families experience the devastating loss of a baby or child.

Together, we have provided over 20,000 instances of support for families since last Red Nose Day.

A huge thanks to our 2024 Partners

Our Red Nose Day Partners provide incredible support, and we thank them for getting silly for a serious cause with us this August!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Red Nose Day?

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Red Nose Day is major fundraising and awareness campaign for Red Nose. The First Red Nose Day was held in 1988 in Australia and since then it has become a beloved day for Australians to get silly and fundraise to help save little lives and support families.

When is Red Nose Day?

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Red Nose Day is held on the second Friday in August. This year Red Nose Day will be held on Friday 9th August.

Where does my money go?

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Every dollar raised on Red Nose Day directly funds our 24/7 support services for grief-stricken families, and our education program for new parents to help them keep their babies safe.

Funds also support investment in research to further determine the causes of SIDS and stillbirth, and what can be done to prevent these tragedies from happening.

What will my fundraising support?

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By choosing to fundraise on Red Nose Day, you will be making a profound difference for Aussie families and helping to protect little lives. Funds raised support lifesaving education and safe pregnancy programs, free 24/7 counselling and bereavement support services for families, and allow for greater investment in vital research.

Do I need permission to fundraise?

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Yes. You must register your event here. Registration of your fundraising activity is required in most states. It also means you have access to the Red Nose fundraising team who can provide guidance and support to make your fundraiser a success.

Can I use Red Nose’s name and logo?

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On approval of your fundraiser, we may provide you with a copy of our ‘raising funds for Red Nose’ logo for use on products and promotional material.

Please ensure that you make it clear that the fundraising activity or event is not an official Red Nose function, but you are raising funds to donate to Red Nose.

Suggested phrases include: “proceeds raised will go to support the work of Red Nose” or “raising funds for Red Nose”.

The level of support for Red Nose must also be stated. For example, “all funds raised” or “10% of all proceeds raised”.

Do I need to be over 18 years old to fundraise?

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We welcome fundraisers of all ages, but if you are under 16, you will need to ask your parent/guardian to help you complete the registration form.

Can I hold an event/raise funds when it is not Red Nose Day?

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Yes – you can raise money for Red Nose at any time of the year! Your effort, regardless of the time of year, will make a profound difference for Australian families and help save little lives through research and education.

Can we get a Red Nose speaker to appear for our event?

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This will depend on the date and location and size of the event. As we are a very small team, we can’t attend every event, especially during busy times like Red Nose Day. But we will provide you with resources and information to help you educate your attendees on the impact they have made by supporting your event. You can request more information by emailing us at fundraising@rednose.org.au.

How do I participate in Red Nose Day?

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There are lots of ways you can get involved and participate in Red Nose Day including hosting an event or fundraiser, creating a fundraising page, volunteering, sharing the campaign on social media, or making a donation in loving memory

How you get involved is up to you – no matter how you choose to get involved, you support will help provide assistance for bereaved families, fund vital research and save little lives.

How do I host a fundraising event?

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Hosting an event or online fundraiser on Red Nose Day is a great way to celebrate the achievements that Red Nose has made in keeping families and babies safe. It is also a beautiful way to honour the memory of a loved one that is no longer with us.

All you need to do is register your event or fundraising page with us and then you are good to go!

For further advice and support, you can download our Red Nose Day Essential Guide that contains lots more information on how Red Nose Day operates. You can also call us on 1300 998 698 or email rednoseday@rednose.org.au.

Is my donation tax deductible?

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Yes. All donations over $2 are tax deductible.