Following the loss of George Michael, British charities have been revealing the previously hidden volunteer and assistance work that Michael had been involved with. Most of his work was kept out of the spotlight, including millions of pounds that had been donated to organizations involved with helping children, cancer victims, and people living with AIDS.

Michael also donated countless hours of his own time to these charities, including helping his hometown in north London get a Christmas tree and volunteering at a homeless shelter.

RIP George Michael- this child of the 80s is stunned and so sad- I grew up w you. #GeorgeMichael 😭 pic.twitter.com/Zio4V6FGYl

— Peter Som (@PeterSom) December 25, 2016

 
During the singer’s life, Michael insisted that his charity work be kept secret. Charity groups that he supported include the Terrence Higgins Trust, Macmillan Cancer Support, and Childline (a service that offers confidential phone counselling for teens).

“Over the years he gave us millions and we were planning next year, as part of our 30th anniversary celebrations to create, we hoped, a big concert in tribute to him — to his artistry, to his wonderful musicality but also to thank him for the hundreds of thousands of children he helped,” said Childline founder Esther Rantzen.

Gay Music Legend #GeorgeMichael Dead at 53: https://t.co/hP5XpYkjgo pic.twitter.com/yvRFF8MGuS

— Out Magazine (@outmagazine) December 26, 2016

 
Rantzen revealed that the many donations that Michael contributed over the years included royalties from his 1996 hit “Jesus To A Child.”

Image via Twitter/Out Magazine