Thousands of Kiwis set to rock red noses today for Red Nose Day

Today, thousands of New Zealanders will roll out their red noses for Red Nose Day, an iconic day to put the spotlight on vital child health research.

Kiwis from all walks of life have been taking part in fun challenges and activities this week – including celebrity couple Art Green and Matilda Rice who dyed their hair red, teachers, CEOs, Cure Kids child ambassadors and Cure Kids CEO Frances Benge who jumped off the Sky Tower, as well as the numerous bake sales and mufti days being held nationwide for the annual appeal.

Over 1000 schools, 500 volunteers and 400 businesses have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars already, well on track to reach the $1 million goal.

“Jumping off the Sky Tower was probably the scariest thing I’ve ever done,” says Benge. “However, it pales in comparison to the things families of children with life-threatening conditions go through.”

AJ Hackett Bungy, who donated 10 SkyJumps, is delighted to get behind Red Nose Day which will see funds raised support important research to find cures and improved treatments for serious health conditions that affect Kiwi kids, including child and adolescent mental health, stillbirth, child cancers, obesity, inherited heart conditions and autism spectrum disorders.

“The SkyJump from Auckland’s Sky Tower takes courage and it’s great to see so many of our country’s CEOs and the Cure Kids family putting themselves outside their comfort zone to support Cure Kids and the funds they’re raising for vital child health research,” says AJ Hackett Bungy New Zealand co-founder Henry van Asch.

Cure Kids’ partner Qantas have also taken the plunge with a red ball pitt and slide, hosted by cabin crew at Albany Westfield, giving families that donate to Red Nose Day the last chance today to win a trip for four to Australia. Meanwhile, those in central Auckland can get down to Aotea Square today to have a go at the All Secure Self Storage Crack the Code activation – simply enter the code from the bottom of your red nose and go into the draw to win prizes worth over $4000.

The day will culminate in the annual Red Nose Day Gala Dinner held at Auckland’s Pullman Hotel tonight, where Cure Kids will roll out the red carpet for an incredible line up of guest speakers, including Sir Graham Henry, Nadia Lim and Simon Van Velthooven. Hosted by Miriama Kamo, the night’s live auction features unique experiences and a host of impressive auction items on offer, including an intimate BBQ dinner at Sir Graham Henry and Lady Raewyn Henry’s Waiheke home catered by well-known Kiwi chef, Al Brown, and an oar signed by multiple Halberg New Zealand Sportsman of the Year, Mahe Drysdale.

Daring Kiwis around the country have also been embracing the Red Nose Day Dare and Share challenges – whether it be dyeing their hair, beard or moustache red, wearing a red ‘fro, speedos, toes, bows and pantyhose, or simply striking a pose for a red nose – to show their support for crucial health research which will make a difference to the lives of our children.

There are over 160,000 red noses and other merchandise in circulation but if you haven’t yet got your red nose it’s not too late – they are available at Briscoes and Rebel Sport stores and other supporting retail outlets for a $5 donation until Sunday 30 September.

For more information visit www.rednoseday.co.nz, and if you’re posting on social media use #rednosedaynz #poseforrednose and @curekidsnz.

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