George Michael is still donating to an AIDS charity two years after his death
BERLIN – FEBRUARY 16: Singer George Michael poses at the “George Michael: A Different Story” Photocall during the 55th annual Berlinale International Film Festival on February 16, 2005 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Sean Gallup/Getty Images)
Charities are still receiving hefty donations from the late musical legend George Michael’s estate nearly two years after his death on Christmas Day in 2016.
Michael’s estate continues to give sizeable donations to charities close to the singer’s heart, including the Los Angeles-based Project Angel Food, reports the Mirror Online.
Project Angel Food was founded in response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic and provides nutritious meals to those suffering from life-threatening illnesses, including HIV.
A source from children’s charity NSPCC also confirmed to the Mirror Online that it has received a surprise donation from the Wham! star’s estate.
George Michael continues to donate to his favourite causes
Michael has reportedly donated £20,000 a year to Project Angel Food since 1993, the same year when his then boyfriend Anselmo Feleppa passed away from an AIDS-related illness.
Richard Ayoub, executive director at Project Angel Food, told Mirror Online: “We got £20k a year wired to us from George. That was on pause, then I got an email about a donation. It’s really pretty magical.”
An NSPCC source, meanwhile, told Mirror Online: “Out of the blue, George has made a considerable donation to Childline. It is hugely appreciated.”
George Michael performs on stage at “Live 8 London” in Hyde Park on July 2, 2005 in London, England. (MJ Kim/Getty Images)
It comes as the “Last Christmas” singer’s family thanked fans for their “continued support,” saying that they had tried to “pay it forward” this year in memory of Michael.
“We got £20k a year wired to us from George. That was on pause, then I got an email about a donation. It’s really pretty magical.”
—Richard Ayoub, executive director at Project Angel Food
George Michael’s charitable donations continue two years after his death
“This year has flown by, although some days it doesn’t feel much like it…,” a statement from Michael’s family reads on his website.
“But luckily the sweeter memories are always there for us all as well – we know you’ll have special ones of your own…. for our family and friends, life continues to have almost daily reminders of him, in one form or another….
“We have all tried to ‘pay it forward’ this year in the form of good deeds, and kindnesses, as we know many of you have too, which we are really proud of, and encouraged by.
“In the face of disappointments, feeling that good people are doing only their best out in the world, in Yog’s name is really heartening….”
The family went on to wish Michael’s fans a Merry Christmas, adding that they are “very excited about a couple of the first ever official projects” they are set to launch in the “following years.”
News of the surprise donations comes as fans expressed outrage that the singer’s gravestone in London’s Highgate Cemetery still doesn’t have a headstone.
Michael died suddenly on Christmas Day in 2016 at his home in Goring-on-Thames.
