DEERFIELD, Ill., May 24, 2021 - Today, children in the United States are facing higher levels of hunger, homelessness and a growing learning gap due to the widespread ripple effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020, child poverty in the US rose as high as 21.4 percent1 worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic, making it increasingly urgent to support underserved children. Walgreens proudly serves as a longtime national partner of Red Nose Day, a campaign from nonprofit Comic Relief US, with the mission to end child poverty by funding programs that keep children safe, healthy, educated and empowered. To help tackle this issue, Walgreens is collaborating with actress Jordana Brewster to raise awareness and funds to end child poverty through Red Nose Day.
As a mom of two, and outspoken advocate for mothers, Jordana is eager to lend her voice to the cause. “After the past year we’ve all had, I am proud to be working with Walgreens, a company that has been a constant community pillar during this pandemic, on such a great cause like Red Nose Day,” said Jordana Brewster. “I feel fortunate that I was able to be at home with my kids as they navigated virtual learning and what was happening in the world, but I realize that so many parents and children did not have that same experience. As a mom, it’s important for me to advocate for every child’s right to thrive and as a parent I want to teach my boys every day why we give back.”
Global Initiative, Local Impact
Red Nose Day began in the United States in 2015. Since then, millions of people have supported Red Nose Day’s fundraising efforts, with donations helping to support partner organizations including the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, which supports children and youth with educational resources and a safe place to be after school; Children's Health Fund, which brings essential medical services to children in underserved and rural communities; Covenant House, which provides shelter and holistic support services to youth facing homelessness in the United States and Latin America; Start Early, which provides critical early childhood education programs for children ages 0-5, as well as City Year, Feeding America, International Rescue Committee, Brotherhood SisterSol, Amref, and others.
“There is no better time than now to shine a light on the issue of child poverty,” said Patrick McLean, chief marketing officer of Walgreens. “The COVID-19 pandemic has put many children and families in a tough spot. At Walgreens, we are committed to giving back to the communities we serve and doing what we can to be a helping hand to all impacted by this past year. This Red Nose Day, especially, every donation counts.”
Donate through May 31
Customers can donate to Red Nose Day until May 31 at Walgreens.com/RedNoseDay. A donation will unlock a special Digital Red Nose filter that can be shared on Instagram, Facebook or Snapchat. Walgreens encourages everyone who donates to show their Red Nose Day spirit by sharing a selfie wearing their Digital Red Nose, tagging @Walgreens, #NosesOn, #myWalgreens, then challenging friends and family to do the same. Customers may also donate in-store or, new this year, myWalgreens members can donate their Walgreens Cash rewards through the Walgreens app. One hundred percent of the donations will go to Red Nose Day, benefiting grantee partner organizations that help underserved children stay safe, healthy, educated and empowered through nutritious meals, educational services, safe shelter and more.
Red Nose Day
Red Nose Day has raised more than $240 million since its inception in the United States to help end child poverty. Through the purchase of Red Nose Day merchandise and cash donations, Walgreens in partnership with proud supporting vendors and customers raise funds for nutritious meals, essential medicine, shelter and other vital aid and education-based services to millions of children in America and around the world. This year, Red Nose Day will be celebrated on May 27.
1 https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/frontline/article/covid-poverty-america/
About Walgreens
Walgreens (www.walgreens.com) is included in the Retail Pharmacy USA Division of Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. (Nasdaq: WBA), a global leader in retail and wholesale pharmacy. As America’s most loved pharmacy, health and beauty company, Walgreens purpose is to champion the health and wellbeing of every community in America. Operating more than 9,000 retail locations across America, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, Walgreens is proud to be a neighborhood health destination serving approximately 8 million customers each day. Walgreens pharmacists play a critical role in the U.S. healthcare system by providing a wide range of pharmacy and healthcare services. To best meet the needs of customers and patients, Walgreens offers a true omnichannel experience, with platforms bringing together physical and digital, supported by the latest technology to deliver high-quality products and services in local communities nationwide.
About Red Nose Day
Red Nose Day USA is a fundraising campaign run by the non-profit organization Comic Relief US, a registered U.S. 501(c)(3). Red Nose Day started in the U.K. in 1988, built on the foundation that the power of entertainment can drive positive change. To date, it has raised over $1 billion globally. Since its US launch in 2015, Red Nose Day has raised over $240 million to positively impact over 25 million children in the US and around the world. Money raised supports programs that ensure the children who need it most are safe, healthy, educated and empowered. For more information about Red Nose Day USA and its impact, visit www.rednoseday.org. Follow @RedNoseDayUSA on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210524005488/en/
Megan Boyd
megan.boyd@walgreens.com