Hot Chip gives to charity

Too many people believe that helping a charity or not-for-profit organisation involves giving money. And with the fear surrounding the GFC, and the accompanying reduction in job security, giving to charities is generally the first thing that is scrapped from a personal budget.

But there are other ways to help worthwhile organisations, and Al Doyle from Hot Chip has shown how it can be done. Together with the Crisis Centre in the UK, Hot Chip have recorded a new video starring people who have experienced homelessness. Al took time out from recording the new Hot Chip album to direct this version of 'Over and Over' (the original was directed by Nima Nourizadeh).



The video launches the Crisis Hidden gigs campaign - a series of gigs which will take place in London throughout May and June in intimate, unusual spaces. As part of this campaign, Hot Chip will perform on 5th May in London - but will not announce the venue to ticket holders until 24 hours before the gig, in an effort to highlight the growing issue of 'hidden homelessness'. According to Crisis: "by withholding details of the venues until the day before, Crisis wants people to understand the precarious nature of hidden homelessness – often moving from place to place, and often not knowing where you may end up each night."

I can't think of many young people who would happily pay to experience an element of homelessness for a night. Or who would willingly hand over $60 to a charity (the cost of a Hot Chip hidden gig ticket). But by giving them an experience to make them think, along with a return for their money, I'm sure this campaign will successfully raise awareness of this issue, as well as a decent amount of cash for Crisis.

For more info and to buy tickets (if you're in the UK) go to crisis.org.uk/hidden