Nottingham Forest is proud to announce the launch of Home For Christmas, a community and charity-focused campaign spearheaded by club owner Evangelos Marinakis.
The campaign is designed to embrace the spirit of the Forest Family over the festive season by uniting the club’s ownership, players, staff and supporters with the wider community through a series of events and activities aimed at supporting the most vulnerable members of society.
Highlighting the power of football to bring communities together in compassion and support, Home For Christmas will include:
CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS PARTY AT CITY GROUND - 10th December
On 10th December, the Club will welcome over one hundred of the region’s most deserving children for a special Reds’ Christmas Party.
Santa and his sleigh will land at The City Ground to bring some magical Christmas joy to youngstersnunder the care of the Children’s Hospital Charity, Wish Upon A Star, four local primary schools in disadvantaged areas of the city, and learning disability football team, Warriors United, who became social media stars after their recent heartwarming press conference with head coach, Nuno Espirito Santo.
Members of Forest’s first team will join Santa in his grotto to hand out Christmas presents, as the children enjoy festive games, music, food and a special dance around the pitch led by Santa and hishelpers. It is hoped the event will help create unforgettable memories for Nottinghamshire children whose lives are more challenging than most.
‘FOREST FORCES’ CHRISTMAS CLUB - 13th December
Nottingham Forest’s Community Trust will be hosting a special Christmas Club breakfast in stadium’s European Suite on the morning of 13th December.
Over 70 veterans from across Nottinghamshire and the East Midlands are anticipated to attend for a morning of warmth and good cheer, building on the community of former servicemen and women who take comfort and strength from their shared experiences serving their country.
At the event, Forest Forces guests will also enjoy a special Christmas performance by Our Dementia Choir, who hold rehearsals at The City Ground throughout the year.
NOTTINGHAM’S LARGEST FOOD & MULTI-BANK COLLECTION AT THE CITY GROUND - 14th December until 20th December
From the morning of Forest’s home game against Aston Villa on 14th December and running until 20th December, Forest will transform its Fan Zone into the city’s largest Food & Multi-Bank Collection facility.
Supporters and the local community will have the opportunity to donate everyday food and non-food essentials — including clothing, personal hygiene products and festive gifts — to support those struggling to care for themselves and their families this winter.
Donations will be distributed by local food bank charity, Himmah, ensuring they reach deserving individuals and families in time for Christmas.
The Fan Zone Food & Multi-Bank will be manned by Club and Community Trust staff and will be open every day from 1:00pm – 7:00pm for fans and local residents to drop by and donate food and essential household items.
To amplify the positive impact of the Fan Zone Food & Multi-Bank project, Forest owner, Evangelos Marinakis has pledged to match the total weight of items donated, doubling the difference we can make together to the lives of the most vulnerable in our community.
FIRST TEAM CHRISTMAS HOSPITAL VISITS - 17th December
On 17th December, Forest’s men’s and women’s first team players will once again visit the children’s wards at the city’s largest hospital, the Queen’s Medical Centre (QMC), to bring joy, smiles and gifts to children spending Christmas under the care of the NHS.
OUR DEMENTIA CHOIR’S CHRISTMAS REHEARSAL AT CITY GROUND - 17th December
Tuesday 17th December marks the final rehearsal before Christmas for Our Dementia Choir, whose new home for social gatherings and rehearsals is The Reds' Trentside home.
MEMORY CLUB CHRISTMAS PARTY - 18th December
From 10:30am on 18th December, Nottingham Forest’s Community Trust will host a special Christmas Party for its Memory Club participants who are living with memory loss or dementia in our community. Anyone who would benefit from joining this inclusive social support group can find more information by clicking here.
THE FOREST FAMILY’S OPEN HOUSE - 23rd December
On Monday 23rd December, Nottingham Forest will open its doors to anyone in our local area who feels a sense of loneliness and social isolation over the Christmas period, as the Club looks to extend the warmth, companionship and comfort of The Reds’ home to our wider community this festive season.
For all those who face a holiday period spent largely alone, a host of Forest legends and others will have warm drinks, mince pies, old tales and Christmas cheer in abundance as The Reds works to combat the harmful impacts of social isolation over the holiday season.
The festive gathering aims to foster new connections, friendships and support, embodying the warmth and unity of the Forest Family. Everyone who would benefit from this social occasion is welcome to join us from 10am to 1pm on 23rd December, no booking required.
At Nottingham Forest, we believe in the power of community. This campaign reflects what it truly means to be part of the Forest Family - supporting one another, including the most vulnerable in our society, especially during difficult times. Together, we can ensure that everyone feels the spirit of Christmas and knows they have a place to belong and call home. The Home For Christmas campaign represents Nottingham Forest’s dedication to its community, ensuring that the festive season is a time of connection, generosity, and joy for all.
Evangelos Marinakis
Nottingham Forest owner
All of the events featured in the campaign will be covered on the Club’s social media channels and website.