X-Factor should drop “Scrooge” attitude toward charity Christmas single (Dumbarton Liberal Democrats)

X-Factor should drop “Scrooge” attitude toward charity Christmas single

December 2, 2010 2:51 PM
Originally published by Scottish Liberal Democrats

Jo Swinson, MP for East Dunbartonshire, has called for support for the charity Christmas single by Aberlour Choir and Gamu Nhengu.

Jo tabled a motion in Parliament recently urging fellow MPs to support the single, called 'Where will you sleep this Christmas?', when it is released for download on the 13th December.

The record features former X-Factor contestant Gamu Nhengu and the proceeds from sales will support the work of Scottish charity Aberlour Child Care Trust. Their programmes of services for runaway children, assessments for families in crisis and dependency services for young mothers has benefitted more than 6000 vulnerable children and families across Scotland, some of whom have been referred to them from East Dunbartonshire.

However, Gamu has been prohibited from promoting the single by the X-Factor as part of her 'contractual obligations' to the programme, on the basis that it is in direct competition with their bid for the Christmas number 1.

Commenting, Jo Swinson said:

"This Christmas charity single is for a truly worthwhile cause and features a very talented young woman, who has herself faced many significant challenges through her childhood.

"X-Factor bosses are behaving like Scrooge by preventing Gamu from helping a charity to raise money at Christmas-time. Taking these extreme measures just to ensure their own release does better in the charts goes against the spirit of the festive season.

"I am urging people to download and support 'Where will you sleep this Christmas?' when it is released on 13th December. I hope that the single's efforts to raise money are successful, so that the vital work of the Aberlour Trust in helping vulnerable children here in Scotland fulfil their potential can continue."

Also commenting, Alex Cole-Hamilton, Head of Policy at Aberlour Child Care Trust said:

"Aberlour provide support to thousands of young Scots who face a range of difficulties and barriers: children with disabilities, those who are looked after in care, who have run away from home, or are affected by abuse, poverty, parental drug and alcohol misuse, and offending behaviour.

"What Gamu has done for Aberlour is nothing short of a Christmas miracle, as she reminds the public of the tens of thousands of children in our country who for many reasons face a bleak and lonely Christmas this year. Gamu is also helping us to address the financial difficulties that our charity is facing as a result of the recession, and letting people know about our work with the most vulnerable children in society on a scale we never dreamed possible. We are tremendously grateful for everything that she has done for us."

Notes;

1. The full text of Jo's EDM is below:

EDM 1111

SUPPORT FOR CHARITY CHRISTMAS SINGLE BY ABERLOUR CHOIR AND GAMU NHENGU

That this House applauds the charitable work undertaken by Gamu Nhengu on behalf of Scottish Children's Charity, Aberlour Child Care Trust, who provide services to vulnerable children across Scotland and their families; notes the forthcoming release of 'Where will you sleep this Christmas?' a single featuring Gamu, by the charity; further notes that the proceeds from the sale of this record will support the work of Aberlour; is dismayed that despite this act of charity on her part, Gamu has been prohibited from promoting the single by her contractual obligations to the TV show 'The X Factor' on the basis that the Aberlour single is in direct competition with the show's Christmas number 1 bid; and therefore calls on members to support and promote the success of this record when it becomes available for download on the 13th of December.

The EDM can be viewed online at: http://edmi.parliament.uk/EDMi/EDMDetails.aspx?EDMID=42115&SESSION=905

2. You can find out more about the Aberlour Child Care Trust by visiting: http://www.aberlour.org.uk/

3. The song 'Where will you sleep this Christmas?' by Aberlour Choir and Gamu Nhengu can be heard on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gG_50PFqJx4&feature=player_embedded

4. 'Where will you sleep this Christmas?' is released on 13th December and can be downloaded from the iTunes store or other online retailers. The CD can also be pre-ordered online at http://www.gamuforno1.com/2010/12/stop-press-cd-orders-now-being-taken.html

Dumbarton Liberal Democrats