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Last Christmas Royalties Fuel Youth Support
24 Oct
Summary
- Last Christmas royalties funded over 20 grants for UK youth organisations.
- Funding supported disadvantaged children, mental health counselling, and LGBTQ+ youth.
- The George Michael Fund continues the singer's legacy of quiet charitable giving.
Four decades after its 1984 release, Wham!'s "Last Christmas" has generated substantial royalties that continue to support vital causes. The George Michael Fund, established in 2024, used these earnings to provide over 20 grants to UK organisations. These grants offered essential aid, including Christmas gifts for disadvantaged children and mental health counselling for young people. Support was also directed to LGBTQ+ youth experiencing homelessness or family estrangement, addressing critical needs.
This charitable legacy honours George Michael's enduring commitment to giving back, a practice he maintained quietly during his lifetime. His family and executors have continued this philanthropic work since his passing in 2016. The fund, managed by The Talent Fund, directs resources to causes that were personally important to the singer, particularly supporting young people.
The song's remarkable longevity, evidenced by its multiple chart-topping returns including the UK Christmas No. 1 in 2023, ensures its charitable potential remains active. The George Michael Fund's grants demonstrate how music's commercial success can translate into ongoing social benefits, extending support beyond the festive season to address issues like poverty and family rejection among vulnerable youth.
