Chelsea FC, the Chelsea FC Foundation, and the Chelsea Supporters’ Trust are working in partnership with Barons Court Project and other charities to tackle homelessness across London this Christmas and beyond in the Wrap Up Warm initiative launched earlier in November.
Barons Court Project is the only day centre in Hammersmith and Fulham who support people on low incomes, homeless or vulnerable to mental health issues. They provide one to one support to homeless people and provide a place where people can have a hot meal, have a shower, do their laundry, charge their phone, and get replacement clothing.
On Sunday 1 December, ahead of Chelsea FC vs. Aston Villa, Chelsea supporters wishing to donate warm clothing to be distributed to those in need across our local community can do so by visiting one of the special matchday drop-off points.
The Chelsea Supporters’ Trust will be running a drop-off point outside the Stoll building on Fulham Road, between Fulham Broadway tube station and the Britannia Entrance, between 11:30 and 13:00 on Sunday.
Chelsea FC will also host an additional matchday drop-off point situated at Stamford Gate behind the security checkpoints. On Sunday it will be open from 11:30 until kick-off.
Laura Cordingley, chief executive of Chelsea Foundation, said:
“Our Wrap Up Warm campaign is supporting individuals and families affected by homelessness and its root causes in London.
“By working alongside the Chelsea Supporters Trust, supporters have donated warm clothing which has been distributed to local charities tackling homelessness, and we are extremely thankful for this. We would like to encourage supporters to do the same at upcoming matches against Aston Villa and Brentford at Stamford Bridge.
“However, we also realise clothing donations are a short-term solution to a long-term, societal problem and therefore, in addition, we are raising funds which will be used to support organisations who are best placed to tackle homelessness and its root causes in our local community beyond the festive period. You can help with this by donating at gofundme.com/wrap-up-warm.”
Mark Meehan, Chairman of the Chelsea Supporters’ Trust, said:
“As the evenings draw in and the temperature drops, it is vital that as Chelsea supporters we do our bit for the community and help those most in need this Winter. The number of people sleeping rough in London has recently risen to a new record high, with 4,780 rough sleepers seen on the city’s streets between July and September. This represents an increase of 18 per cent in 12 months.
“We brought the Winter clothes donation idea to the Chelsea Foundation earlier this year, and we are really pleased that they have been so positive about making an impact. We would like as many Chelsea supporters as possible to give their support to this campaign and help make a difference to the lives of people less fortunate than ourselves.”
Examples of items that will be welcomed are:
All preferably new or gently used:
- Warm winter coats
- Winter hats
- Gloves
- Jumpers/hoodies
- Trousers
- Shoes
We cannot accept second hand of these items:
- Socks
- Men’s underwear
- Thermal vests/Long johns
Any Chelsea supporters who are unable to attend a game but would like to support the Wrap up Warm campaign can do so by making a donation below:
Fundraiser by CHELSEA FC FOUNDATION : Wrap Up Warm
A £3 donation will pay for a meal and a hot shower at Barons Court Project, which is just over a mile from Stamford Bridge. Larger donations could help buy expert help for homeless service users from an IT person, buy the ingredients for nutritious meals for homeless people, or help homeless people towards training and employment.
