Chelsea Football Club and its charitable arm the Chelsea Foundation have launched a festive campaign to help tackle homelessness across London this Christmas.

The ‘Wrap Up Warm’ campaign launched today with a film shot at Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge home, starring an all-star cast.

Directed by Peter Franklyn Banks and produced by Kode, the film features players from the men’s and women’s squad. These include club legend Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, global star and Chelsea fan Central Cee alongside longstanding Madness lead singer and true Blue, Suggs, all wrapped up in Chelsea’s warmest seasonal wear.

The film centres on a young fan sharing warm encounters with Sam Kerr and Christopher Nkunku, before making his way onto the snowy terraces of Stamford Bridge. A coat gets draped over his shoulders, and as he looks up to see who has given it to him it is none other than Cole Palmer himself. The campaign is a call to arms to wrap up warm with Chelsea this Christmas, one where we will be leaving the cold to Cole and turning his trademark ‘cold’ celebration, where he rubs his shoulders when he scores a goal, into a symbol of warmth and giving.

The festive campaign video can be viewed across the club’s social media channels along with its website, and the full retail range is available now in-store and online at the Chelsea Megastore. The ‘Wrap Up Warm’ campaign will culminate at the club’s Boxing Day fixture against Fulham FC at Stamford Bridge.

The ‘Wrap Up Warm’ appeal is targeting Chelsea fans and local residents, asking them to donate warm clothing which will be donated to those in need in the run-up to Christmas. Designated drop-off points for this clothing will feature in upcoming matches.

Often viewed as the ‘most wonderful time of the year’, the festive period for many is the most difficult. Nearly 12,000 people were sleeping rough in London last year, including more than 3,200 people in south-west London alone; all numbers which are expected to increase this year.

Clothing donations are a part-solution to a long-term problem. Therefore, the Chelsea Foundation is also partnering with GoFundMe and calling for donations which will be granted to charities in London tackling homelessness and its roots causes all year round.

In addition, Chelsea will be making a donation from the proceeds from its festive retail range to the Chelsea Foundation, which will be redistributed to charities working to support homelessness and its root causes in London. In addition, the men’s and women’s teams will be making a contribution with funds to support those that need it most, such as the Barons Court Project.

Barons Court Project is a charity based close to Stamford Bridge, and the only day centre in Hammersmith and Fulham supporting people experiencing homelessness. The Chelsea Supporters’ Trust has worked with the Barons Court Project for a number of years with a range of initiatives and campaigns, such as its annual sleepout which sees members spend the night at Stamford Bridge to raise funds for the charity. 

Laura Cordingley, Chief Executive Officer of Chelsea Foundation said: “With over 3,000 people sleeping rough in our local community alone, we have an important role to play in supporting individuals and families affected by homelessness and its root causes during the festive period and beyond.” 

She continues: “To help tackle this, we will be working with the club, supporters and local organisations to donate warm clothing to those who need it most this Christmas, whilst also raising funds that will support charities tackling homelessness and its root causes in London longer term.” 

“We would ask those who can, to donate warm clothing at the highlighted drop-off point in the coming weeks, or to make a donation via the GoFundMe link. Together, we can make a huge difference.”

The extensive retail range will be on sale through the club’s Megastore at Stamford Bridge and its official online store, with festive-inspired knitted products and gifting options available along with lifestyle, a first-ever Nike Premium range, the latest edition of the Nike women’s Fall collection and a Blue Out retro-inspired range focused on the fan favourite 1962-63 home shirt. And of course, the club’s current home, away and third kits are all available to be gifted this Christmas.

Fans can donate to the GoFundMe campaign here.