As ever, schools and teachers are being invited to get involved in a number of Comic Relief fundraising initiatives – or to come up with their own.
This year marks Comic Relief's 40th birthday and as such a national Big Birthday Bake Sale is to take place with a Red Nose Day Bake Kit available for schools, including suggested recipes. Cakes can be raffled or sold and teachers will be encouraged to share their pupils’ creations on social media: www.comicrelief.com/bake
Elsewhere, Comic Relief is also suggesting that schools could create “ironman” style activities in PE after former racing driver Billy Monger took on the Ironman World Championship in Hawaii last year in aid of Red Nose Day.
Billy completed a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride, and a 26.2-mile run to raise funds. This year, Comic Relief is suggesting that schools might use his example to inspire pupils to set their own personal challenge or create mini-ironman in PE.
And then in partnership with LEGO’s Build the Change initiative, Comic Relief is calling on pupils to imagine how they think their classrooms, playtime and lessons could be transformed to be even more playful. To enter this challenge, pupils can create their designs using LEGO bricks, pens, or any other materials they like and ask a teacher to email their entry.
Each entry gives them the chance to win one of 40 LEGO kits for their school, with one winner also receiving a cash prize for their school and a special edition LEGO Build the Change kit. The competition is open until May 6, 2025: www.comicrelief.com/rednoseday/fundraise/schools/lego
Meanwhile, the Nosey Awards celebrate those making a real difference in fundraising, including the top school fundraisers. Nominations are open now. www.comicrelief.com/awards
And don’t forget your noses! To celebrate 40 years of Comic Relief, this year will see “blast from the past” red noses including an iconic design from each decade. There are also two new designs including a rare ruby nose and a cupcake nose. For schools, there is a Red Nose Day multipack containing 30 noses (£60).
Comic Relief offers a range of fundraising tips for schools as part of their packs. Claire Marimon, schools fundraising manager at Comic Relief, advises schools to set a fundraising target to help build momentum and excitement. There is also a school council guide to help pupils take the lead on fundraising activities as well as advice about the dos and don’ts to ensure any fundraising plans are legal and considerate.
Samir Patel, CEO of Comic Relief, said: “Seeing all the different ways schools across the nation get involved in Red Nose Day is one of my highlights of the year – the passion, energy and creativity never ceases to amaze me. As we reach 40 years of Comic Relief this year, there’s lots to celebrate – including the thousands of teachers, parents and guardians who have gone to great lengths to inspire the next generation of kind, empathetic people; and the children themselves, who are learning more about doing good.
“The lessons fundraising teaches are more valuable than ever – especially with so many facing impossible choices to get by every day. So, whatever you do this Red Nose Day, embrace the silliness, raise a smile, and help to spread some joy, because when we all do something funny for money, giving gets bigger and bigger.”
- To access the wide range of free resources, including bunting, posters, quiz packs, and lesson plans, visit www.comicrelief.com/rednoseday/fundraise/schools or email schools@comicrelief.com