Tim Minchin · 50% of the proceeds from the December sales of ‘White Wine in the Sun’ are going to Autism research

50% of the proceeds from the December sales of ‘White Wine in the Sun’ are going to Autism research

By : ShellThursday, 17 December 2009 | 16 comments

Tim’s moving, secular Christmas song offers an alternative to the hype-driven singles we’ve come to expect at this time of year. It hit iTunes as a single for the first time on the 14th December and to mark the occasion, 50% of the proceeds from the December sales of the song are going to Autism research.

This is a disability Tim feels is poorly funded with its causes and treatment still not well understood.

The song is a beautiful and intelligent exploration of why Christmas might still be meaningful to those of us who hold no religious beliefs.

You can download it here.

Update: The charity Tim is delighted to be supporting is The National Autistic Society.

16 Comments

Posted by madelon on December 17, 2009

I’ve got autism myself so thank you for doing this, means a lot xx

Posted by Grendel on December 17, 2009

Great idea – please be sure it goes to good science-based research (as I am sure you will).

Posted by Ben on December 17, 2009

As an autistic Atheist myself, this means a lot to me. Good on you Tim, keep spreading the word.

Posted by Simon Hodge on December 17, 2009

Amazing song, just what the world needs. I think you put the sentiments of the majority in the uk beautifully but most are i feel are almost scared to say it. Its about time humanity reclaimed christmas! I think its ridiculous just how many “subconscious” christians there are who for one week a year believe in, without question the myths they where brainwashed with as children. I know its not meant as an attack religion but hey every little helps. Especialy when things like this are doing the rounds and they see absolutely nothing wrong with it all http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NStpjQ477HA

A little shame its been released (and maybe overshadowed) at the same time as the RATM single. But the reason people are buying the rage song is all good, i dont think its being purchased for the lyrics but purely as a protest againt the turkey twizzler or music; Simon Cowell.

Posted by Laura C on December 17, 2009

As a mother of four children, three of which are diagnosed with autism, we face a daily battle of little understanding in this world of the issues we face everyday. The mere fact that Tim’s kind donation to autism research raises the profile of their ‘condition’ really helps us. On behalf of Harrison, Scarlet, Finn, Oliver, myself and Kate – thank you Minchin my dear, you know what you mean to the kids and how much they adore you. x

Posted by Hester on December 18, 2009

Love and got your song Tim, it´s brilliant and sentimental.

and indeed, when will you hit the dutch-grounds?

Posted by Stephen Parkes on December 18, 2009

Now the charity in question as been confirmed as the National Autisic Society I fully endorce and support this product and/or service :)

Just waiting for Apple to fix my login to the iTunes store.

Posted by Tracey/rm on December 18, 2009

YAY TIM!!! Thank you!

Posted by Omega on December 18, 2009

Is it going to be made available anywhere other than iTunes for us iPod-less losers? :(

Posted by Shell on December 18, 2009

Hi Omega, As I said in the previous blog: You can get it elsewhere if you are not into iTunes but the best way to ensure that your download counts towards the singles chart etc is to buy from iTunes. So take a look on your usual music download site if you prefer.It’s a lovely song wherever you download it. x

Posted by kelly on December 19, 2009

i just wanted to say thank you for a brilliant xmas song, we havent exactly had the best year and your comedy has helped bring a little bit of fun back for us,
white wine in the sun is a truely lovely song that brought a tear to my eye, (unless i missed the point of it totally)
thank you,

Posted by Vicki on December 24, 2009

We need more caring people like you in this world!The words to this song means so much on so many different levels and supporting NAS just adds to it! Rock on!

Posted by Adrienne Gill on January 2, 2010

I love this song Tim! What a surprise to hear that it was supporting autism research – especially as one of the reasons our family didn’t travel to drink “red wine by the fire” with my parents and sisters this year was that our 2 year old was diagnosed with autism earlier this year and we needed to take things easy at home! Will keep following your work!

Posted by jenna on January 11, 2010

great idea of giving 50% to NAS i look after a 22 year old with severe autism and most people wont go near her becuase shes different. x

Posted by Lisa on January 12, 2010

would just like to say that anything that highlights Autism & gets more people supporting The Autism Society is absolutely brilliant – a much misunderstood condition – THANKS for all your support Tim…keep up the good work – have always enjoyed your performances but you have now gained a fan for life through your support of Autism research xxx

Posted by Ben Townsend on January 24, 2010

I work for the National Autistic Society Croydon (London) I think the tune is brilliant. Your a brilliantly talented man and this is just the icing on the cake. Top Man!