Chelsea supporters raise over 200K for Refuge and CFC matches donations

Chelsea supporters raise over 200K for national domestic abuse charity Refuge, club matches donations. Chelsea women donate WSL Championship funds also.

Chelsea supporters, matched by their club, have secured more than half a million pounds for Refuge, the UK’s largest single provider of specialist domestic abuse services. At the start of April, Chelsea Football Club joined forces with Refuge to raise awareness and valuable funds to support women and children experiencing domestic abuse during the current Covid-19 crisis.

As reports from around the world show that the coronavirus pandemic has led to an increase in domestic abuse incidents during periods of isolation and lockdown, Chelsea asked fans for their support and the response has been incredible.

Through the club’s digital campaign with both women’s and men’s team, hundreds of season ticket holder donations and a contribution by Process Photography, Chelsea fans have now raised over £200,000 to help. From one off donations to donating the money from remaining matches that season ticket holders have been unable to attend as games re-commenced behind closed doors, Chelsea fans have dug deep to support a cause which is close to the clubs hearts.

Chelsea Football Club and Refuge would like to thank every person who has donated so generously. The club will now be matching donations. The total, together with the funds donated by Chelsea women, is over £500,000.

Chelsea FC Women’s manager Emma Hayes said: ‘I have been proud to lead the club’s support of this worthy cause and I am proud of the response of our fans. To have raised over £200,000 for Refuge’s vital work is incredible and I am so grateful for your generosity. The club and Mr. Abramovich will be matching this contribution and I hope this goes some way to helping women and children in desperate need.’

Sandra Horley CBE, Refuge Chief Executive said: ‘Refuge is enormously grateful to Chelsea supporters who have dug deep at this time to support Refuge – and to Chelsea FC for matching their donations. Since the start of lockdown, Refuge has seen a huge spike in demand for its National Domestic Abuse Helpline – indicating the sheer numbers of women who need our support. Every single penny that is raised helps us to ensure no woman or child is turned away from receiving the support they need. We are so grateful to Chelsea FC and their fans for this incredible gesture of support.’

While this campaign is coming to an end, domestic abuse will not. Chelsea are asking their fans to continue to support Refuge to keep its life-saving and life-changing services running and reach even more women and children in desperate need. Domestic abuse doesn’t come by appointment – it happens all year round. Refuge is there for you if you need their help 24 hours a day 7 days a week. For support please contact Refuge’s National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247.

For more information please contact the press office on 0207 395 7731 or email press@refuge.org.uk.