Triple J have teamed up with the Red Cross to release a 2013 Christmas charity single, called Christmas Number 1. The all-star cast of artists involved in the project were led by chief songwriter and triple j Drive presenter The Doctor (aka Lindsay Mcdougall), and have now released the song to help raise money for the charity organisation. You can watch the makeshift triple j Christmas band perform the song below, or grab it on iTunes. All proceeds will go directly to the Red Cross, who help out families in crisis, and whose work is vital at this time of year.
The track parodies traditional Christmas songs in a fun yet genuine way. The Doctor is backed by a band and choir consisting of big-name Australian musicians, such as Phil Jamieson from Grinspoon, Elizabeth Rose, Thomas Rawle from Papa vs Pretty, Bertie Blackman, Tuka and Jeswon from Thundamentals, Joyride, Abbe May, Andy Bull, Laurence Pike from PVT, Touch Sensitive, Bree Tranter, Asta, Calum, James and Bryce from Lunatics on Pogo Sticks, B1 & B2 from Bananas in Pyjamas (!), Dr Karl and triple j presenters Tom & Alex, Linda Marigliano, Nina Las Vegas, Dom Alessio, and Tom Tilley.
All the money raised will help the Red Cross continue its local projects, such as those which lend a helping hand to people involved in the recent Tasmanian and New South Wales bushfires, as well as helping the organisation support the homeless, ‘at risk’ young people and Indigenous communities in remote areas. The proceeds will also contribute to international aid for areas like the Philippines, which has suffered terribly following Typhoon Haiyan.
The Red Cross have said that they, “are thrilled to be working with triple j on ‘Christmas Number 1’. The money raised will help families and loved ones prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters such as bushfires and floods.”
The triple j Christmas single is a fun and affordable way to help out this festive season, but if you’d like to make a bigger donation to the Red Cross please call 1800 811 700 or go the Red Cross website.
(Watch: Triple J’s all-star cast perform Christmas Number 1)
