M&M’s efforts stoke excitement for Red Nose Day

HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. — In the lead-up to the third annual Red Nose Day, Mars Chocolate North America’s M&M’s brand is working to raise money for kids in need. The brand is rolling out a new vending machine at various Walgreens that dispenses coupons to raise donations and awareness in exchange for a funny face, a silly dance or great joke, the company said.

M&M’s also will donate more than $1 million to the Red Nose Day fund to support programs for children, kicking off its efforts with a New York City flash mob on May 1.

"We're inviting M&M'S fans across the country to join in on the fun and help us make a difference for Red Nose Day," said Tanya Berman, Brand Director, M&M'S Brand. "We think our fans will have a lot of fun activating the special vending machine, and can't wait to see all the funny faces, poses and fun with Red Noses to support children in need."

The M&M’s vending machine will be at a Walgreens in Los Angeles on May 4, Chicago on May 12 and New York on May 22. Customers can tell it a joke, make a funny face or do a dance to get a coupon for M&M’s and red noses. The brand is encouraging shoppers outside these markets to get in on the fun by taking a photo with their red noses from Walgreens on and tag it #NosesOn to possibly be featured in its Red Nose Day digital gallery.

Kyle Busch, who drives the No. 18 M&M’s car for NASCAR, will race his car with a special Red Nose Day paint scheme at the Kansas Speedway on May 13, and attendees will be provided red noses at the event by M&M’s.

On May 25, NBC will aid the Red Nose Day Special, supported by M&M’s and Walgreens, and the broadcast will feature a new 60-second M&M’s spot. In the lead-up to the event’s airing, NBC also will air “Celebrity Ninja Warrior for Red Nose Day” and “Running Wild with Bear Grylls for Red Nose Day.” As the challenge sponsor for the “Celebrity Ninja Warrior” episode, M&M’s will donate to the Red Nose Day fund for every obstacle a celebrity conquers.