SERGIO AGUERO has been delivering goals for Manchester City for more than nine years – now he is delivering Christmas presents for them.
The Argentine forward teamed up with players, coaches and staff from the Etihad to bring some festive magic to kids in their local area.
Man City have been delivering some festive fun at local schoolsCredit: Manchester City
Sergio Aguero did not come empty-handed as he surprised local kids in ManchesterCredit: Manchester City
City have funded, wrapped and delivered gifts to every primary school child in East Manchester and every child in the care of Manchester City Council – a total of 5500 presents.
The club wanted to do their bit at the end of what has been a particularly challenging year for many families.
Research suggests one in three children in Greater Manchester will not receive a gift this festive season – and staff at the Etihad wanted to put that right.
City in the Community’s work to tackle holiday hunger has also continued over the festive period.
The club’s charity has donated 500 three-course Christmas meals to local families in East, Central and South Manchester.
In addition to this, CITC has sourced over 45,000 everyday essential items including clothes and toiletries and donated these to ten local charities to distribute this winter.
Chief exec Ferran Soriano said: “We all know how difficult this year has been and that for some, the festive period will be particularly challenging.
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“Our priority was to find ways to connect with those in our community who are most in need, to provide tangible support and let them know that their football club is there for them.
“Thanks to the combined efforts of our coaches, staff, our players and our charity, City in the Community, we have been able to make a difference over this festive period and share some City magic”
Louise Thewlis, Deputy head of Ravensbury Primary School, said: “We really appreciate the gifts from Manchester City and the surprise visit from Sergio, the children were very excited!
“Ravensbury Primary School has 470 pupils and Christmas can be a difficult time for them, their parents and their families, this year even more so.
“Some of our children would not ordinarily receive a present at Christmas, but thanks to the Club they will now have a gift to unwrap on Christmas Day and a smile on their faces.”
Due to Covid restrictions, City adapted their annual Christmas visits to see children at the local hospitals.
Phil Foden and his team-mates have been making numerous video calls to kids over the festive periodCredit: Manchester City
Video calls were made to children in local hospitalsCredit: Manchester City
Video calls were made to the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, The Christie, Francis House Children’s Hospice and Wythenshawe Starlight Ward.
Pep Guardiola’s squad also made a donation to the RMCH to purchase new equipment for the fifth consecutive year, bringing the cumulative total of their donations to the hospital to nearly £80,000.
And 550 gifts have also gone to children who are currently in hospitals around the city as the festive season approaches.
One mum, whose 10-year-old son Luke will spend Christmas in RMCH, said: “I would like to say thank you to Manchester City and the football players who spoke with my son Luke.
“The video call came at just the right time and has cheered him up so much after finding out he will be in hospital over Christmas.”
The Club’s Christmas activities follow a number of community outreach initiatives that have been taking place since the second national lockdown.
Over 1,000 calls have been made to supporters by staff and players at the Club to tackle isolation and raise the spirits of Cityzens around the world during a challenging few year.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
