Chelsea tackle London homelessness with Wrap Up Warm campaign as they say ‘leave the cold to Cole Palmer’

Chelsea have launched an admirable campaign to help tackle homelessness across London, with their Wrap Up Warm initiative asking supporters to donate warm clothing at games in the build-up to Christmas.

The Blues have released a John Lewis-esque video to mark their launch, with Nicolas Jackson, Enzo Fernandez and Christopher Nkunku among those who star. At the end of the clip, Cole Palmer places a coat on the shoulders of a young supporter, a title card reading: ‘Leave the cold to Cole.’

Fans will be able to drop off any donations at upcoming fixtures. The Blues, in conjunction with their foundation, are also asking for financial donations which will go directly to charities in need.

Chelsea have pledged to donate themselves, including to the Barons Court Project, a charity based close to Stamford Bridge that supports those unfortunate enough to be without homes.

Nearly 12,000 people slept rough in London during last year’s festivities, more than 3,200 of them in the south west of the capital alone. Chelsea will announce how much has been raised, both in clothes and money, when they face Fulham on Boxing Day.

Cole Palmer places a coat on the shoulders of a young supporter at the end of the campaign launch video, with a title card reading: ‘Leave the cold to Cole.’

Chelsea have pledged to donate and will announce how much has been raised on Boxing Day 

Laura Cordingley, chief executive officer of Chelsea Foundation said: ‘With over 3,000 people sleeping rough in our local community, it is crucial to be supporting individuals and families affected by homelessness and its root causes during the festive period and beyond.

‘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.’