Erling Haaland and Bernardo Silva make dreams come true as Man City raise £175,000 for festive campaign

Erling Haaland, Bernardo Silva, and Kerstin Casparij are among the Manchester City players that have helped make young fan's dreams come true this festive season as they helped raise money for to support communities across Manchester.

City in the Community's festive campaign '0161 Christmas Calling' saw football stars out and about with local primary school and college students, as well as paying a visit to the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital to help spread seasonal cheer.

Donations from a range of Christmas City merchandise as well as fundraising drives and work in the community has seen the club raise £175,000 for City in the Community programmes. The club has been matching donations made by fans and staff to City in the Community, with City donations totalling around £75,000.

Funding from the men's squad also saw 1,760 gifts given to children staying in the hospital over the festive period. Players from both the men’s and women’s first teams handed out the gift bags in person when they surprised young patients with a visit earlier this week.

Nathan Ake, who visited the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital alongside men’s and women’s first team players, said: “Coming to the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital is a highlight of the year for us and I always feel inspired after meeting so many incredible people.

“I enjoyed playing games in the Teen Zone with patients and I hope those memories go some way towards creating a special Christmas for them all.

“But Christmas is about more than just one day, and it makes me proud to know that Manchester City, its fans and City in the Community are creating real, impactful opportunities for young people through the Club’s festive campaign this season.”

Danny Wilson, Managing Director of Manchester City Operations and City in the Community Trustee, said he was 'very proud' of the success of the campaign, adding it 'encapsulates the community values of Manchester City'.

“As a Club, we are passionate about having a positive impact on the lives of young people across Greater Manchester, so ensuring that work can continue and expand is crucial.

“I’m also incredibly proud that City in the Community is creating new opportunities for hospital patients all year round, as well as donating items to foodbanks and hosting events at the Club for those in need this time of year.”