Press Release
December 8, 2020 • 2 min read
GOAL is appealing to Irish diaspora who won’t get home this Christmas to connect with home by registering to do a virtual GOAL Mile.
Thousands of Irish scattered all over the globe are facing disappointment at not being able to join their families in Ireland for Christmas due to Covid-19 travel restrictions. But they can engage and connect in a unique way and support GOAL’s work in 14 countries at the same time.
The GOAL Mile is a much-loved tradition and many who take part in villages and parishes all over the country at Christmas are Irish people home for the holidays, taking advantage of the GOAL Mile to reconnect and catch up with friends and neighbours at what is a special time of the year.
Due to Covid-19 restrictions GOAL has announced that the traditional GOAL Mile is going virtual this year. But the silver lining is Irish abroad who will not make it home can join in the festive fundraiser wherever they are – be it New York, London, Bangkok, Sydney or Paris.
GOAL Board member, former Irish Minister for the Diaspora and Kerry football legend, Jimmy Deenihan, said: “In my time as Minister for the Diaspora I met so many Irish people all over the world, including the UK, and witnessed at first hand the inspiring contribution they make in all walks of life.”
“I am appealing to Irish communities all over the globe to support GOAL’s work by registering to do a virtual GOAL Mile this Christmas. There are many who would have taken part in the event at home but will be unable to travel due to Covid-19. So they can join in on the fun wherever they are in the USA and make a virtual connection.”
GOAL board member Jimmy Deenihan with Kerry football hero and GOAL Ambassador David Clifford
He added: “The Irish have never been found wanting when it comes to supporting those in our world most in need. We are renowned for our generosity. Whilst this Christmas we are all being asked to keep apart, all of us at home and abroad can stand together by doing a virtual GOAL Mile.”
GOAL Director of Fundraising, Eamon Sharkey, said: “The Irish community have always been hugely supportive of GOAL’s work, wherever they are around the globe. Our target this Christmas is to get 10,000 people at home and abroad register to do a GOAL Mile.”
He said: “The pandemic means the GOAL Mile is more important than ever as we work to rebuild communities shattered by disease, conflict and climate change. Since March GOAL has supported over 17 million people in our fourteen countries in preventing the spread of the virus, rolling out Covid-19 awareness programmes and teaching people the importance of keeping a safe distance, wearing masks, and observing a handwashing regime. We could not do this without the support of Irish people everywhere.”
You can register to do a GOAL Mile at https://www.goalglobal.org/goal-mile/
