Get ready to rock a Red Nose in August

For over 30 years, the researchers, advocates, supporters and broader team at Red Nose, Australia’s leading authority on safe sleep and pregnancy, have been working not only to support families who have experienced the devastating impact of the sudden loss of an infant, but also to learn more about the causes of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and educating parents and other carers about how to prevent it.

The Back to Sleep campaign, which has so far resulted in an 85 per cent reduction in the incidences of SIDS in Australia, is one example of the valuable work done by the organisation.

While SIDS has been reduced by 85 per cent, it has not been eradicated. 3,000 Australian babies, toddlers and preschoolers are still lost each year, and efforts to explore the causes, and implement preventions, remain ongoing.

In 2020, Red Nose Day will be held on Friday 14 August, and early childhood education and care (ECEC) services will once again have the opportunity to support the valuable work of Red Nose by participating in fundraising efforts for the organisation.

Because of the special connection between this cause and the children attending early childhood education and care (ECEC) services, the team at Red Nose and Little Rockers have collaborated to ensure that children are able to meaningfully participate in efforts to raise funds and awareness.

“In our experience, no one enjoys getting ‘silly for a serious cause’ more than kids and this year you can activate in a number of ways that are both safe and fun,” a spokesperson for Red Nose said.

Services may choose to hold a “dress in red” day, participate in the annual Little Rockers Disco, or undertake other fundraising activities, with the Red Nose team available to help and support at every stage of the process.

A guide has been prepared to assist in designing activities, along with a range of posters and resources specific for ECEC services.

Interested services are invited to sign up here.