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The Times of India
The Times of India
World
TOI World Desk

George Michael’s Last Christmas royalties help fund 20-plus grants for vulnerable young people

George Michael United Kingdom Andrew Ridgeley Homelessness Mental Health Band Aid Sony Music

A Christmas song about heartbreak has found a lasting way to help people facing difficult times. Four decades after Wham! released Last Christmas, royalties accumulated from sales of the festive hit helped the George Michael Fund make more than 20 grants to organisations supporting children and young people across the UK. The funding, announced to mark the song’s 40th anniversary in 2024, helped provide Christmas gifts to disadvantaged children, counselling for young people struggling with their mental health, and support for LGBTQ+ youth facing homelessness or family estrangement, according to the fund’s official website.

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