'Truly exceptional' - Mayo has raised this huge sum during Christmas for countries in need

Mayo has raised a whopping €12,499 towards lifesaving humanitarian work during Christmas 2024.

Over €750,000 was raised in total across the country, which broke the record since the fundraiser began in Ireland in 1982.

GOAL Mile is a fundraiser supported led by local organisers in over 200 locations in Ireland, and the US and Africa, during the 2024 Christmas season.

Among those involved were Olympic Athlete, Ciara Mageean, Bernard Jackman, International Rugby Commentator and Analyst and the entire Shamrock Rovers, Men’s First Team.

The Irish humanitarian agency has a proud history over the last 48 years of delivering life-saving aid and development programmes in some of the world’s most fragile countries and to some of the world most vulnerable communities.

They deliver food, shelter and water and other programmes relating to nutrition, protection, sanitation and hygiene in countries like Sudan, Ethiopia, Chad, Syria, Lebanon, Gaza, and Haiti where conflict is so prevalent and where the suffering and humanitarian crises and needs are so immense and prolonged.

Siobhan Walsh, GOAL CEO said: “GOAL Miles have been running across Ireland every Christmas since 1982 but the 2024 GOAL Mile was a truly exceptional one for so many reasons, and not only because we broke our fundraising record. We were of course delighted to welcome AIB back for their fourth year as our GOAL Mile partner.”

“And we benefitted greatly from the kind support of campaign champions including Olympic Athlete, Ciara Mageean; Bernard Jackman, International Rugby Commentator and Analyst; and the entire Shamrock Rovers, Men’s First Team.

"Their well-known voices and faces raised our GOAL Mile voice. They encouraged even more people to find their local GOAL Mile and head out to connect with family and friends, enjoy a unique experience, support GOAL and stand in solidarity with the millions caught in conflict and climate emergencies.

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But most of all, we send thanks to the wondering 200 plus GOAL Mile organisers across the country for their time, and commitment in organising their Mile so expertly. They are the essence of this hugely successful campaign." 

AIB Group Chief Executive Officer, Colin Hunt, said: “AIB is embedded in communities right around the country through our 170 branches and we are incredibly proud to support the GOAL Mile.

The initiative brings communities here in Ireland together to show their support and solidarity with the most vulnerable communities across the world, grappling with the effects of climate change, poverty, hunger, and conflict. AIB is delighted to have renewed our partnership with GOAL for another three years, and we look forward to continuing the GOAL Mile journey and encouraging even more people to step up and participate.”