The members of Chelsea Supporters Trust who volunteered to bed down in the cold
Chelsea fans have raised more than £27,000 for local homeless charities through a sponsored sleep-out at Stamford Bridge.
The cash was raised by dozens of members of Chelsea Supporters Trust who volunteered to bed down in the cold, boosting projects which aim to stop other less fortunate people from having to sleep out themselves.
“This is great work by Chelsea Supporters Trust, which will provide a wonderful boost for the work of both Glass Door and Stoll,” said Cllr Sue Fennimore, Deputy Leader of H&F Council.
“Both charities do excellent work on the front line of tackling homelessness, and are key partners in our aim to end all rough sleeping in H&F.”
Season ticket holders, members, and even one ex-player snuggled up in their sleeping bags under the floodlights on the concourse of the stadium’s East Stand.
Spirits remained good, on a chilly November night, with a pep-talk from participant and former Blues star Paul Canoville - who himself experienced a period of homelessness during harder times.
The event was organised by Chelsea Supporters Trust, with help from H&F’s Head of Housing Mark Meehan; and the charities were chosen specifically because of their local focus.
Stoll helps homeless veterans from its Fulham Road home, which most fans will have passed every time they enter or leave Stamford Bridge - it’s right next door.
While Glass Door partners-up with churches to help the homeless, and its work at St Peters - a free-kick down the road at Fulham Broadway - is well known in the local community.
“In H&F we’re doing things differently, when it comes to helping homeless people - and the results continue to be really positive,” said Cllr Fennimore.
“This money will go directly towards helping two charities who make a real difference for homeless people. We’re all extremely grateful to those who endured one very cold night to try and stop others from having to endure far more.”
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