GOAL Mile
The GOAL Mile, proudly supported by AIB, is back for 2024!
Run, jog or walk a mile in your area and help raise funds for the world's most vulnerable communities this Christmas.
Far from Home
Home is a special place, all year round. And as Christmas approaches, it becomes even more cherished.
This is especially true for millions of families around the world who have been forcibly displaced from their homes due to conflict, drought and climate change. With your support we can be there for them this Christmas. Delivering water, food and medical support to families in Gaza, Haiti, Sudan and beyond.
Wrap Around the World
We're teaming up with Ireland's business community to wrap compassion around the world this Christmas.
Every euro donated will help provide lifesaving support to families in need. Building brighter futures in the world's most vulnerable communities.
Supporting families far from home this Christmas
Millions of families will spend Christmas far from home this year. Far from friends and family. Families like Jennifer’s.
"I was forced to leave my country in search of a better future for my children," Jennifer says.
Jennifer is among the two million Venezuelans who have fled to Colombia in recent years to escape violence and economic insecurity. The economic collapse has left families struggling for work, food, medicine, and basic services.
Concern for her two children, Tamara, 12 years old, and little Anthony, 4, persuaded Jennifer to abandon their home in Venezuela.
“I worked to provide for my children but food was too expensive. Life became impossible.”
“In the end we couldn’t even afford to buy medicine when Anthony got sick. I had to take my son to the hospital but they wouldn’t let us in due to overcrowding. I knew then we had to leave for Colombia.”
Like most Venezuelan families, Jennifer faced huge challenges when she arrived in Colombia. She struggled to find employment, secure social protection and access basic services.
Jennifer feeds her 4 year old son Anthony
"Things have not been easy, we have been through a lot," Jennifer says wiping away tears. “When we arrived we shared a room with another Venezuelan family but they were taking drugs. It was not a safe environment for the children so we had to move,” she continues.
Fortunately, Jennifer and her family met a generous local woman, Mrs Ruby, who offered to take them in. Jennifer works in Mrs Ruby’s fish shop during the week to help cover her bills and provide for the family. Mrs Ruby also introduced Jennifer and her family to GOAL.
Local teams are now supporting Jennifer and her family. Helping them to build a new life and a brighter future in Colombia.
Jennifer still hopes to return to her home in Venezuela one day, “My family is still there. I would like to go home but the economic situation is too difficult. I can’t take my children back in case they get sick again.”
“I used to have a great life there but now I don’t care about material things. All that matters is the health and safety of my family.”
