Press Release
November 6, 2024 • 3 min read
AIB renews its support for GOAL Mile for another three years up to 2027.
GOAL Mile — the flagship fundraiser for Irish humanitarian charity, GOAL — is back for 2024, and once again proudly supported by AIB. After a fantastic turnout last year, with 160 locations across Ireland and over €630,000 raised, this beloved Christmas tradition will once again raise critical funds for GOAL’s life-saving humanitarian work in 14 countries across Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East.
This year also marks a major milestone as AIB has renewed its support for the GOAL Mile for another three years. AIB has provided invaluable support for the GOAL Mile since 2004 helping the event grow from strength to strength and deliver much needed funds to communities in crisis from climate change and conflict around the world.
Speaking about the renewal of the partnership AIB Group CEO, Colin Hunt, said:
“AIB is delighted to renew our partnership with GOAL for another three years. Supporting the GOAL Mile is something we are incredibly proud of, as it gives communities across Ireland the opportunity to come together at their local GOAL Mile and contribute to make a difference for vulnerable families around the world, when they need it most. We greatly look forward to continuing this journey with GOAL and helping to grow this highly anticipated and much-loved Christmas tradition, encouraging even more people to step up and participate.”
Reflecting on this, Siobhan Walsh, CEO of GOAL, said:
“Since 2021, AIB and GOAL’s partnership has resulted in over €2million in donations from the people of Ireland and beyond, to support GOAL’s humanitarian programmes. To put this number into very meaningful context, as people flee conflict in Lebanon this week, a €250 donation helps GOAL provide food for a family of five for a month. We are deeply moved by the compassion shown by AIB’s customers and colleagues to help GOAL provide humanitarian relief.”
“This year, we aim to increase the number of GOAL Mile locations across the island of Ireland from 160 to 200 to achieve our fundraising target of €750,000. We are extremely grateful for the support of our sponsor, AIB, which has been instrumental in expanding the GOAL Mile over the past three years.”
“However, none of this would be possible without the dedication and commitment of our GOAL Mile organisers. Organising a GOAL Mile is both fun and rewarding at a local community level, and we encourage anyone interested in setting up a new GOAL Mile to make contact” continued Siobhan Walsh.
As a long term and loyal GOAL Mile champion, Irish author, Paul Howard (AKA Ross O’Carroll Kelly), appeals for national support for the campaign:
“The GOAL Mile embodies everything that the Irish people love about the holidays. It not only offers a wonderful opportunity to bring families, old friends, and communities together to have some fun, it also presents a perfect opportunity to support a fantastic charity that helps the most vulnerable communities across the world, who face extreme poverty and crisis.”
“During 2024, we have witnessed a deadly mix of crises because of conflict and natural disaster across the world and GOAL has responded to all these crises, helping communities affected most from crisis to resilience. So, I feel honoured to ask the people of Ireland to consider setting up a new GOAL Mile in their local community or register for their local GOAL Mile and continue to support this extremely valuable Christmas tradition” continued Paul Howard.
Last year, the Irish people raised over €630,000 to fund GOAL’s life-saving work in 14 countries. With 160 locations to choose from this year, I know we can make an even bigger impact. I’m honoured to encourage the people of Ireland to register for their local GOAL Mile this Christmas.” continued Paul Howard.
To register for your local GOAL Mile or discuss setting up a GOAL Mile in your local community, please visit https://www.goalmile.org/
