Comic Relief

Guide Note:

Comic Relief is a British charity organization that raises money for poverty-stricken populations across the globe. Their most prominent event is Red Nose Day, a holiday celebrated every two years in which those who donate are provided with a red rubber nose to wear in order to call attention to the charity's goals. A multihour telethon is also broadcast on BBC on Red Nose Day, featuring live sketch performances by some of the world's best comics.

Fast Facts:

1. Year founded: 1985
2. Founder: Screenwriter Richard Curtis
3. Current head: Paul Cahill
4. Headquarters: London, England
5. Notable events: Red Nose Day, Sport Relief
6. Email: red@comicrelief.org.uk
7. Phone number: 020 7820 5555

Key Dates

• 2005: Founded by script writer Richard Curtis
• Christmas Day, 2005: Public launch with live broadcast on BBC from Sudan refugee camp
• February 5, 1988: First Red Nose Day raises £15 million
• March 16, 2001: Red Nose Day raises over £61 million

Various other countries have their own versions of Comic Relief, including the United States. The U.S. version of Comic Relief is an irregularly held telethon first hosted by Whoopi Goldberg, Robin Williams, and Billy Crystal and broadcast on HBO. The proceeds of this Comic Relief go to help the homeless in the United States; after Hurricane Katrina, a three hour telethon in 2006 raised $4 million for those displaced by the storm. </note>