Celebrities Come Out to Support Red Nose Day

red-nose-day-AP
Kelli Serio

Millions of people, including Hollywood celebrities, have come together to show their support for the first annual international anti-poverty Red Nose Day campaign.

Created to raise money and awareness for young people and children living in poverty, little red noses have been sold in drug stores and other locations for more than a month now, for the price of $1.

A recent UNICEF report found the number of children living in poverty has increased in 23 developed countries since the start of the global recession in 2008.

Additionally, the number of children entering poverty during the recession is 2.6 million greater than the number who have been lifted out of it, says the report.

Because of the numbers, a cash drive has been organized, and some major celebrities are backing the event.

“We believe in a just world free from poverty and use the power of entertainment to create positive change in the world,” reads the organizations website.

The inaugural Red Nose Day’s events include a three-hour telethon, which will air live on NBC, and will feature performances from some of America’s favorite comedians, musicians, and other stars.

Kim Kardashian, Blake Shelton, Jane Lynch, Julia Roberts, Anna Kendrick, Melissa McCarthy, and Helen Mirren are among the group of celebs to advocate for the campaign Thursday via their social media pages.

The National Center for Children in Poverty reports that 16 million children in the United States live in families with income that falls below the federal poverty level, which is $23, 550 for a family of four.

All proceeds raised during the campaign will go directly to the Red Nose Day Fund to be distributed directly to various nonprofit organizations dedicated to keeping children safe, educated, and healthy, according to the site.

To find out more about Red Nose Day, or to donate, click here.

The telethon will air live on NBC Thursday from 8 to 11 p.m.

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