A mission that matters

Every day in Australia, nine babies and young children die suddenly and unexpectedly. Around 3,000 young lives are lost each year to SIDS, stillbirth and other causes. Red Nose Day aims to change that through research, education and support for families experiencing the death of a baby or child.

Since the first Red Nose Day in 1988, the campaign has helped achieve significant progress:

• 12,992 babies saved since the first Red Nose Day
• $20 million invested in vital research since 1988
• more than 16,100 instances of support provided to families in the past 12 months
• an 80 per cent reduction in sudden infant deaths, supported by research and safe sleep education.

Behind each figure are children, families and communities affected by the work of Red Nose.

Funds raised through Red Nose Day support three key areas: research, education and bereavement services.

Research funded through the campaign contributes to work examining SIDS, stillbirth prevention, safe sleep and potential risk markers associated with sudden and unexpected infant death.

Red Nose also provides evidence-based education to help parents, carers and professionals understand safer sleep practices and reduce preventable risks.

For families experiencing the death of a baby or child, support includes a 24/7 phone service, specialist bereavement counselling and peer support.

Donations of different sizes can contribute directly to this work. According to Red Nose:

• $30 can help fund glass slides, tubes and pipette tips used by researchers
• $51 can fund a call to the 24/7 Support Line for a family in crisis
• $150 can fund a one-on-one professional counselling session for a grieving family.

Red Nose Day brings communities together each August to raise funds and awareness while supporting research and families.

Individuals, workplaces, schools and early childhood education and care services can take part in a range of ways, including hosting a fundraiser, wearing red, purchasing Red Nose merchandise or taking part in the Red Set Go Fitness Challenge.

The challenge encourages participants to walk or run 3 km each day in recognition of the approximately 3,000 babies and young children who die suddenly and unexpectedly in Australia each year.

Fundraising activities can also provide early childhood services with an opportunity to connect families with evidence-based safe sleep information and raise awareness of the support available following pregnancy or child loss.

Red Nose Day combines a highly recognisable community campaign with a serious purpose: reducing preventable deaths and ensuring families experiencing loss can access support when it is needed.

For the early childhood sector, the campaign also reinforces the importance of evidence-based safe sleep practices, informed educators and strong partnerships with families.

Whether through fundraising, education, participation or donation, every contribution supports Red Nose’s continuing work to save little lives and support grieving families.

More information about participating in Red Nose Day is available from the Red Nose Day website here.