GOAL Mile goes virtual for Christmas 2020

GOAL is calling on locals to go the distance and register to do a virtual GOAL Mile this Christmas to support the world’s most vulnerable communities.

The appeal has come after GOAL announced that the traditional GOAL Mile will be going virtual this year due to Covid-19 restrictions.

For several years now, thousands of people all over Westmeath and Roscommon have turned out in their communities and parishes every Christmas to walk, run or jog a GOAL Mile. Funds raised go towards supporting GOAL’s work in 13 countries in Africa, Latin America and the Middle East.

The Irish humanitarian aid agency it is more vital than ever that people support the GOAL Mile this year.

Each registration will count as one mile. Once people have registered they have the option of passing a virtual baton to challenge friends on social media to do likewise.

GOAL’s director of Fundraising, Eamon Sharkey, said: “We are living in a totally different world to the one we were in last Christmas. COVID-19 has taken a grip and changed all of our lives, but sadly it is the most vulnerable communities around the world who are impacted most, with COVID-19 impacting on their livelihoods and access to food.

“I want to thank people for all their support for the GOAL Mile over the years. Despite COVID-19 we are determined that this great tradition will continue and we can all do our GOAL Mile virtually. Families and small groups of people may be able to do it together once Government guidelines and social distancing is strictly observed. This year will be different - but the end result will be the same.”

To register go to: https://www.goalglobal.org/goal-mile/. €15 for an adult and €10 for a child.