Stamford Bridge was fixtureless on the weekend however it actually was not lifeless, as a supporter-led occasion generated cash to assist deal with homelessness in addition to help weak and disabled veterans to steer fulfilling, impartial lives.
At the seventh annual Stamford Bridge Big Sleep Out, which was staged with the assistance and co-operation of Chelsea Football Club, a hardy group of supporters bedded down for the evening underneath the East Stand with beneficiaries of the sponsored evening being The Stoll Foundation and Barons Court Project. All funds raised are being evenly shared between these two charities and when you didn’t take part however want to donate, you can do so by clicking here
Former Chelsea participant Gary Chivers joined within the Sleep Out and was even profitable in a raffle that was held – successful a shirt signed by the present workforce.
Over 30 different previous gamers, masking 5 a long time of on-pitch service, contributed to a video of help that was performed to the followers participating this 12 months earlier than they took their makeshift beds. It was additionally an opportunity to listen to concerning the charities and the work they do, and probably learn the way to assist a homeless particular person subsequent time one is met.
The Stamford Bridge lights had been turned off at 11pm and everybody woke the following day to breakfast offered by the membership.
Mark Meehan, from Chelsea Supporters’ Trust who organise the Sleep Out, mentioned:
‘Thanks to everyone who came and slept out on Saturday night. With donations still coming in, we have raised £16,000 to date so far for both charities.
‘When we started the Big Stamford Bridge Sleep Out seven years ago I never thought that by now we would be here having raised 165k to date for homeless charities. It once again shows the amazing things Chelsea supporters can do when they gather together to help make a difference.
‘In London last year a record high of 13,231 people were recorded as sleeping rough and the number of people doing so for two years or longer has increased by 27 per cent, the highest ever annual rise.
‘Every penny raised by the Stamford Bridge Sleep Out makes a difference. At Barons Court Project, even a small donation of £5 can pay for a meal and a hot shower. 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.
‘At Stoll Foundation, £10 can provide an hour of essential one-to-one support for a vulnerable veteran, £50 can fund activity to boost the mental and physical health of a group of veterans, and £100 can buy a recycled laptop or tablet and IT skills training for a veteran which will help to increase their independence.’
