With Covid and Flu restricting yet again our usual large-number squad visits to local hospitals at Christmas time, our men’s and women’s teams were keen to continue their support by providing Chelsea-themed gift bags for young people on the wards during the festive period.
Over 200 goody bags were packed and sent out by Chelsea for children on the paediatric wards of Chelsea and Westminster, St Mary’s and Kingston Hospitals, supported by the players and staff of both squads.
A young 12-year-old fan in Chelsea and Westminster – the hospital local to Stamford Bridge - was delighted with his present: 'I’ve been a Chelsea fan my whole life. When my parents moved here from Argentina there were two clubs with Argentine players – one of them was Chelsea, and Crespo was playing for them - that’s my surname too!
‘I’ve been staying in the hospital for a few days now, and it’s made me really happy to get this gift. I was a bit bored but getting a gift from Chelsea has cheered me up. There’s a picture, there’s a Chelsea annual, which is amazing, and there’s a mini ball! I really want to thank Chelsea for all the gifts.'
The women’s team continued their support of Kingston Hospital, just down the round from the Kingsmeadow Stadium, by sending their own gifts to young fans from in and around the borough.
Chelsea Women captain Magdalena Eriksson said: ‘It is a shame that circumstances mean we can’t visit the hospital as a squad this year. It is something we all very much enjoy and it is our aim to return in person next year. Instead we hope these gifts from Chelsea do help the children on the wards enjoy themselves at this holiday time.’
Men’s skipper Cesar Azpilicueta added: ‘Every day spent in hospital is difficult and worrying for a young child and their family but particularly so during the holiday season, a time when children should be enjoying themselves most. It’s important for us to spread as much festive cheer where we can, so we were delighted to take the opportunity to send some gifts to the young children in hospital this Christmas on behalf of the players and staff at Chelsea.’
Tracey Shaw, fundraising manager at Kingston Hospital, summed up what it meant for the young people:
‘We are so grateful to Chelsea and the Foundation who generously provide gifts for our children in Kingston Hospital over the festive period. This gesture truly lights up the face of a child who may be feeling upset and scared. Distraction therapy, such as this, is clinically proven to speed up recovery and reduce anxiety. We thank everyone at the club for their support each year and send season’s greetings to all.’
Away from the pitch, the club and Chelsea Foundation have been hard at work over the festive period alongside a variety of community organisations. As well as hosting a Christmas dinner for homeless people in partnership with catering partner Levy and the Glassdoors charity, the club has also working with Hammersmith and Fulham Council to support their annual Christmas meals for vulnerable and isolated residents, as well as Kensington and Chelsea and Westminster Councils to offer an activity and food programme for young people.
The Foundation has also worked with the US Embassy to offer young Ukrainian Refugees Christmas presents (pictured above) and hosted a Christmas party at Stamford Bridge for our Active Seniors participants which featured Chelsea legend Carlo Cudicini as guest of honour.