Feel Good Friday: a charity album with a difference
It’s time for another feel-good Friday post, this time with a football flavour, seeing as the historic 2022 World Cup tournament is currently taking place in Qatar.
The tournament is historic, both for the number of “upsets” we’ve seen so far (England vs. France, anybody?) and the level of controversy surrounding the decision to host the event in Qatar.
But let’s focus on the positive with this week’s feel-good story.
Sing for Stonewall
There’s nothing like a good old-fashioned singalong to bring people together - especially when it’s for a good cause.
That’s why we were delighted to see footy legend Peter Crouch join forces with Britain’s Got Talent winner, Paul Potts, to fundraise for LGBTQ charity, Stonewall.
The unlikely duo teamed up to release ‘Crouchy Conducts The Classics’ – a charity Christmas album of football chants with a classical twist.
The collaboration saw the ex-footballer make his debut as a conductor on the eight-track album, which was released by Paddy Power Records. Yes, you read that right. The well-known gambling company hedged their bets on Crouch and Potts and turned music publisher fpr the one-of-a-kind album. The brand also committed to making a minimum donation of £25,000 to Stonewall.
The album features reworkings of football chants with the backing of a 20-piece orchestra. The track listing includes:
● We Love You England
● VAR My Lord
● You’re Not Singing Anymore
Wondering if Crouch has talent? You can see him in action here.
Support for the LGBTQ+ community
All the proceeds will support Stonewall’s campaign to tackle the oppression that the LGBTQ+ community faces in Qatar. A country where being gay is illegal, and punishable by up to seven years in prison.
FIFA faced heavy criticism after the announcement in 2010 that Qatar would host this year’s World Cup. Many charities called out the organisation for holding the much-loved tournament in a country with such a poor track record for human rights.
As a result, Manchester Pride boycotted the tournament, and Amnesty International labelled it the ‘World Cup of Shame’.
But let’s turn our attention to Stonewall.
Stonewall Stands Up Against Qatar
Founded in 1989, Stonewall stands up for LGBTQ+ rights in Britain and beyond. The organisation is dedicated to championing LGBTQ+ communities and campaigning for a change in attitudes and policies to enable individuals to live a life free from prejudice and discrimination.
The charity’s Proud Stadium campaign aims to fill a virtual stadium with supporters of LGBTQ+ rights, shining a light on the injustices faced by LGBTQ+ people in Qatar.
The target is to reach 80,000 signatures – the capacity of the Lusail Stadium, which will host the 2022 World Cup Final in Qatar.
A worthy campaign.
Want to make a difference?
Looking to use your skills to raise money for a worthy cause like Stonewall? We can help you score a winning career move.
Give us a call on 0203 750 3111 or email info@bamboofundraising.co.uk to kick things off.