Munich, December 24 – In a heartwarming gesture ahead of Christmas, FC Bayern defender Josip Stanišić visited the Dr. von Haunersches Kinderspital in Munich on December 23rd, bringing joy and comfort to seriously ill children. Accompanied by Santa Claus, the 25-year-old Croatian international spent time with young patients across various wards, including the intensive care unit, children with severe bowel diseases, and those suffering from serious lung conditions.
Stanišić: “I wanted to give the children love and closeness”
Reflecting on his visit, Stanišić expressed his emotions, stating, “When you see how the children and their families are doing, you just wish you could bring a little joy into their lives. I’ve wanted to do this for a long time, and now was the right time to give the children love and closeness.”
The defender engaged in various activities with the children, from discussing football and scoring goals to reading children’s books and answering questions from young Bayern fans. He was a warmly welcomed and special visitor for the children who, unfortunately, have to spend Christmas in the hospital. Stanišić was particularly amazed by magic tricks performed spontaneously by some of the children.
Many Gifts Brought Along
Stanišić arrived with a sleigh full of gifts, including FC Bayern teddy bears, signed jerseys, scarves, hats, and sweets. He also brought a pen to sign various toys and clothing items. “It’s a beautiful experience: you go in with a heavy heart and come out with a somewhat smiling one, because it makes you so happy to bring joy to the children!” he shared.
“It’s a blessing for our children”
Guggy Borgolte, responsible for donations, public relations, and administration at the Haunerverein, was thrilled with the visit. “It’s a blessing for our children, we want them to feel comfortable in our clinic – so this was, of course, a huge highlight!”
Stanišić concluded, “It makes me happy to see that the children are fighting and not giving up during this difficult time! I can take a lot from that myself!” He expressed his desire to return soon.
This visit follows a recent trip by Joshua Kimmich and Serge Gnabry to the children’s cancer ward, highlighting the club’s ongoing commitment to community engagement and supporting those in need, especially during the festive season. Such gestures underscore the human side of professional sports, bringing moments of happiness and hope to vulnerable children and their families.
The Dr. von Haunersches Kinderspital, located in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, is a renowned institution dedicated to pediatric care, providing specialized medical treatment and support to children facing various health challenges. The ongoing engagement of FC Bayern players with the hospital community reinforces the strong bond between the club and its local community, extending beyond the football pitch.
The club’s activities, such as these hospital visits, are part of a broader initiative to use its platform for positive social impact, fostering a sense of community and support for those in challenging circumstances. These interactions provide invaluable emotional uplift to the young patients, offering a distraction from their medical routines and a reminder that they are not forgotten.
Source: https://fcbayern.com/de/news/2025/12/bewegender-tag-stanisic-besucht-kinderhospital-in-muenchen
