Walgreens doesn't clown around with its new Red Nose charity campaign

 

 

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens Boots Alliance, in partnership with NBC, is bringing a United Kingdom tradition across the Pond with Red Nose Day this May. In preparation Walgreens nationwide will begin exclusively selling red noses on Friday, April 17, in support of Red Nose Day on May 21.



Red Nose Day has been celebrated in the United Kingdom for more than 25 years and encourages people to don red noses and have a good laugh for a good cause. As the starting point for the first Red Nose Day in the United States, Walgreens is raising funds in support of the Red Nose Day Fund, which supports non-profit organizations that help lift children and young people out of poverty in the United States and overseas. 

 

“Happiness and health are at the heart of Walgreens mission and at the heart of what Red Nose Day is all about. Just the simple, silly act of putting on a red nose means that anyone can benefit children in poverty,” said Alex Gourlay, president of Walgreens. “We’re thrilled to join Red Nose Day as the exclusive red nose retailer in the U.S. and encourage our entire Walgreens family – our customers, employees, and vendor partners – to join us in having a good laugh for a good cause.”

 

As the exclusive retail partner for Red Nose Day, Walgreens makes getting involved in this fun-fueled campaign easy and convenient. From April 17 through May 30, Walgreens and Duane Reade locations nationwide will sell red noses for $1 each, with proceeds contributed to the Red Nose Day Fund.

 

Walgreens kick-started red nose sales early today in its hometown of Chicago with a fun and surprising celebration to commemorate the first red nose sale. Disguised as Walgreens employees, members of the Chicago-based improvisation comedy troupe Second City broke into an unexpected comedic performance for shoppers after Audrey Bliss of Chicago officially purchased the country’s first red nose. The event was candidly captured on film and posted to Walgreens YouTube channel Thursday morning. 

 

"It was surprising to be one of the first to buy a red nose,” said Bliss, the first customer to purchase a red nose in America. “Giving $1 is easy enough to make a big impact. It feels so good to give back to charity."

 

Noses will be for sale at Walgreens stores nationwide beginning April 17 through May 30. Red Nose Day’s five-week campaign will culminate in NBC’s televised fundraising event in New York City on May 21 (8-11 p.m. ET).  The live three-hour benefit will feature popular comedians, top musicians and Hollywood stars, featuring an engaging mix of great comedy, live musical performances and short, compelling films shedding light on the cause.  

 

Proceeds benefit the Red Nose Day Fund, which supports the following pre-selected charity partners: Boys & Girls Clubs of America; charity: water; Children’s Health Fund; Feeding America; Gavi, The Vaccine Alliance; the Global Fund; LIFT; National Council of La Raza; National Urban League; Oxfam America; Save the Children and United Way.

 

To encourage people to spread laughter and awareness of Red Nose Day, Walgreens invites everyone to join the fun by sharing their #RedNose photos in social media. Starting April 17th, by snapping a selfie wearing a red nose and uploading it to Instagram or Twitter using the hashtags #Walgreens, #RedNose and #promo, consumers will have the chance to win a trip to New York to attend the official Red Nose Day celebration event on May 21. Shoppers in select stores in 10 markets will even be able to capture their silliest red nose photos via in-store selfie stations, complete with props and backdrops.