‘Tis the season for giving, and wrapping those gifts in contagious pathogens. Well, at least it’s for a good cause.
In an effort to raise awareness of homelessness in the United Kingdom, London-based creative agency WCRS has debuted it’s “Wrap-Up Project,” which sells wrapping paper with snowflake patterns on the sheets. But take a closer look and you’ll see that those jolly crystals that remind us of the holiday seasons are actually microscopic images of viruses that are easy to treat for most, but harder for those who must “sleep rough.”
WCRS cited a 31% increase of homelessness in Britain and wants more to be done to find homes for those without a roof over their heads. “The Christmas season descends with the usual tide of familiar indifferent (albeit warm) Christmassy-ness; the usual customary snowflakes, little trees and bobbles all in red and green,” Ross Neil, Creative Director of WCRS said in a statement. “We decided to subvert this very recognizable language with an actual message.”
When the temperature drops, homeless people become particularly vulnerable. The snowflake patterns in our wrapping paper designs depict the common cold, influenza and pneumonia – all ailments which pose serious risk to those living rough on our streets.
Proceeds will go to London homeless benefit charity St. Mungo’s, and will retail for between $4.91 and $39.24