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Red Nose Day is Friday, 30 June, 2006

Thursday, 22 June, 2006

THE RED NOSE THAT HAS SAVED 4,500 BABIES

Funding from the sale of a $2 funny red nose captured Australia’s imagination eighteen years ago as Red Nose Day has saved the lives of some 4,500 babies through the reduction of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome by ninety per cent.

Nationals Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes, said the 19th Red Nose Day which will take place on Friday, 30th June, 2006 has become one of the most recognised charity days in Australia.

“I urge people to wear their red noses in support of the day”, he said.

Dr Sykes continued, “Whilst the day has an extremely serious side and deals with the highly sensitive and tragic issue of the unexpected death of a young child, it also provides a unique way for the broader community to show support for families affected.

“It also provides an opportunity to support the work being carried out by SIDS and Kids to fund research and bereavement services provided by SIDS and Kids.”

Ms Jennie Cameron, Chairman of SIDS and Kids said that every month in Australia over two hundred children are stillborn or die suddenly and unexpectedly, and for each death more than sixty people are affected and may require support.

Dr Sykes concluded, “I urge everyone to support Red Nose Day as the funds raised over the past nineteen years has seen thousands of parents, relatives and friends receive free counselling services.

Media contact: Bill Sykes (03) 5762 2100 or 0427 624 989