George Michael, who gave millions from his music to charities, sent £100,000 to disadvantaged children every Easter

George Michael is remembered around the world for his extraordinary music, but his generosity was another important part of his legacy. Much of what he gave was done quietly, without publicity or attention. From charity royalties to private gifts, volunteering and regular donations, Michael repeatedly used his wealth and fame to help people who needed it.

His kindness became even clearer after his death in 2016, when stories emerged about the many ways he had helped others, as per a report by the Big Issue.

How did George Michael quietly help people?

George Michael supported charities and individuals throughout his life, often keeping his involvement private. His connection with The Big Issue was one example of how he used his fame to support people facing poverty.


In 1996, after releasing Older, Michael gave his first press interview in six years exclusively to The Big Issue. He knew there would be huge interest in the interview, but chose a magazine whose vendors make a living on the streets.

At the time, he spoke openly about giving away his money.

“I can give away large amounts of money without it having any effect on my life. So you can do a lot of good at arm’s length… which I’m sure people will criticise me for,” he said. Michael continued supporting The Big Issue and other causes, both publicly and privately, for the rest of his life.

What did George Michael give to charities?

Some of Michael’s biggest charitable contributions came directly from his music.

The royalties from his 1991 duet with Elton John, Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me, went to the Terrence Higgins Trust, London Lighthouse, an Aids hospice, and the Rainbow Trust children’s charity.

His 1996 international number one single Jesus to a Child provided another major contribution. Michael gave all of its royalties to Childline, a charity he supported with millions of pounds over many years.

His generosity also extended to his Wham! days. The band donated royalties from their festive hit Last Christmas to Ethiopian famine relief after the group had already taken part in Band Aid’s Do They Know It’s Christmas?

And every Easter, according to DJ Mick Brown, Michael would call Capital Radio and donate £100,000 to Help A London Child, the station’s charity supporting disadvantaged children and young people.

What acts of kindness emerged after his death?

When Michael died aged 53 on Christmas Day in 2016, stories about his private generosity began appearing. Richard Osman, novelist and former Pointless co-host, shared one particularly striking example. He recalled a woman appearing on Deal Or No Deal who said she needed £15,000 for IVF treatment. According to Osman, Michael secretly contacted her the following day and gave her the full £15,000.

Other stories showed the same pattern.

Michael was reportedly a regular volunteer at a homeless shelter, where he asked his fellow workers to keep his involvement secret.

There was also the story of a woman he overheard talking about serious debt while sitting in a cafe. Michael left a £25,000 cheque with the waitress and asked that it be given to the woman after he had gone.

A student nurse who worked at a bar also received an unexpected gesture from him, reportedly getting a £5,000 tip to help with her student debts.

How did George Michael support people beyond money?

Michael’s generosity was not limited to writing cheques or donating royalties. He also gave his time and used his public profile to support causes. He performed a free concert for NHS workers who had cared for his mother, and publicly supported Project Angel Food, which distributed food to people in Los Angeles living with Aids.

For The Big Issue, his support had a particularly personal meaning because he offered both his time and his fame to help people experiencing poverty.

The stories that emerged after his death showed that the charitable work people already knew about was only part of the picture.

George Michael was a once-in-a-lifetime musical talent, but his legacy also lives in the people and charities he helped. His millions in music royalties, regular Easter donations, private gifts and quiet acts of kindness revealed a side of him that often existed far from the spotlight.

George Michael’s generosity reached far beyond Band Aid. After his death, stories revealed just how much of his kindness happened away from public attention.

FAQs

How much did George Michael donate every Easter?
He donated £100,000 to Help A London Child.

Did George Michael donate music royalties?
Yes. He gave royalties from several major songs to charities.