Kevin De Bruyne has surprised young Manchester City fans by dressing up as Father Christmas, as the club held a Christmas event at their training ground, as well as visiting young children in hospital to hand out 1600 presents.
City's Christmas campaign has so far raised £190,000, which will provide 76,000 hours of free football sessions through City in the Community. The club welcomed over 400 pupils from 15 local primary schools to a Christmas festival at the City Football Academy recently, while 50 senior citizens and young carers were invited to a lunch at the Etihad, and a number of toddlers were given a Christmas party at the club, too.
At the Christmas festival, De Bruyne and teammate Cole Palmer surprised youngsters by dressing up in sky blue Father Christmas outfits and handing out presents, and other first-teamers including Erling Haaland also visited the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital to hand out 400 gift bags - totalling 1,600 presents - to children who will spend the festive period in hospital.
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Haaland, Riyad Mahrez, Rico Lewis and Stefan Ortega spent time with the children, and met nurses and doctors at the hospital. Members of the City Women's squad also made surprise visits to the Christie and Francis House hospitals.
De Bruyne said of his surprise reveal and interaction with the young fans: “It’s obvious from my visit today how much these children enjoy playing football with City in the Community coaches. Their enthusiasm is infectious.
“The impact of playing football on physical and mental wellbeing should not be underestimated, and it makes me proud to know that Manchester City and its fans are creating real opportunities for young people through the Club’s campaign this Christmas.”
RMCH patient Oliver said: “I can’t believe I’ve met some of my favourite players! It’s been absolutely amazing, definitely one of the best days of the year.”
City Women striker Mary Fowler, who visited Francis House, added: “It is nice to come here today and meet with the children and families and connect with the community. It is good to have a club that encourages us to do visits like this.”
Goalkeeper Ellie Roebuck said: “As players we are in a privileged position so it is really good that we can give something back to the local community. It is so important that we show them support, they support us as fans, and it is good to give something back.”
And the impact of the Blues' visits was summed up by Helen Davies, parent of twelve-year-old Megan, who explained: “It means such a lot that the players came here today. It is very difficult for Megan to access activities, so for these players to spend this time here today is really appreciated. We are massive City fans; my husband has been a season ticket holder for more than fifty years.”
Angela Rowe, Senior Fundraising Manager at the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, said: “On behalf of everyone at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, I want to thank Manchester City for their continued support this festive period. To have first team players surprise our patients and bring big smiles to their faces, as well gifting more than 400 presents to patients throughout the hospital, means so much to us all.”
Further in City's Christmas campaign, the Blues have been donating £5 to its charity, City in the Community, for every purchase made through their retail operation of selected items, while the club have matched contributions from fans and staff up to the value of £75,000. A donation of £7,500 has also been donated to five foodbanks in Manchester to fund 3000 food parcels for local families.
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