Australians are being 'mobile-ised' to raise vital funds today - this 33rd Red Nose Day - to help curb the devastation of more than 3,000 babies and young children who die each year.
That's 9 little lives lost every day to stillbirth, sudden infant death and other causes. With today's Red Nose Day (Friday 13 August) falling while many Australians adhere to various social distancing, work-from-home and lockdown requirements, Red Nose is asking those who can to get silly for our serious cause by getting involved in Red Nose Day online.
Our Digital Red Nose will be taking over Instagram and Facebook, while our online store is stocked with noses, silly socks and more. Dedicated Red Nose volunteers will also be manning our virtual telethon.
Since COVID-19 restrictions were first introduced across Australia last year, Red Nose has experienced a surge in requests for support from families who have lost a beloved baby during this difficult time.
Calls to the Red Nose 24/7 Grief and Loss Support Line have increased by 45% over the past year, while we've delivered 40% more counselling sessions. Calls to our Red Nose Safe Sleep Advice Line from worried parents have jumped 20%.
All of these services are among the suite of new parent advice and bereavement supports funded by Red Nose Day.
Funds raised also go toward ground-breaking research to unlock the causes of stillbirth and infant death, and to spearhead prevention efforts.
