People all over Britain donned* red noses and took part in wacky* fundraising events for the 11th Red Nose Day, which fell on March 16, with the money going to help disadvantaged* people in Britain and Africa.

In Wigan, students at Abraham Guest High School organized a run for their money, while the JJB Health Club got busy with a rowing* event. Bromsgrove resident Cyril Day decided he would let go of his 33-year-old moustache to give his colleagues a giggle* and Comic Relief, the organizer of the event, the money received for those giggles.

Schools across the country put together various events, and students got a chance to discard* their uniforms for fancier* outfits*. Fashion shows, bake sales, garage sales, sports tournaments, fairs and walkathons*... the British public were busy raising funds for Comic Relief, which has organized the event since 1985 for charitable* causes.

The BBC, which supports Red Nose Day by airing shows related to the event, organized a star-studded* show “The Big One” to celebrate the day. Participating were celebrities like Ricky Gervais, Sacha Baron Cohen, Edith Bowman, Davina McCall, Jonathan Ross, Chris Evans, Lenny Henry and Richard Curtis, among others.

“Using well-known people to entertain the public whilst getting serious messages across has always been a huge part of our success,” said Christina Kyriacou, media manager of Comic Relief. A number of causes are supported by the funds raised through Red Nose Day. These include education, rehabilitation* of child soldiers and street children, peace efforts, AIDS awareness and other health causes.

The charity will donate 60 percent of the proceeds* to projects in Africa and 40 percent to British-based charities.

(SD-Agencies)

■ What is Red Nose Day?

Red Nose Day is a U.K.-wide fundraising event organized by Comic Relief every two years.

■ What’s so special about Red Nose Day?

On Red Nose Day everyone in the country is encouraged to put on a red nose and do something silly to raise money — celebrities included. It is an event that unites the entire nation in trying to make a big difference to thousands of poor and disadvantaged people across the U.K. and Africa.

In the country’s schools, uniforms are replaced by fancy dress and teachers are auctioned* off to pupils. In offices across the nation, assistants take charge, not to mention their revenge, for the day.

■ Where does the money go?

Thousands of poor and disadvantaged people across the U.K. and Africa are getting the help they need.