Northside People, 22nd November 2007

Northsiders are urged to run for GOAL WHEREVER you are on the Northside, there's a GOAL Mile near you.

That was the clear message at the launch of this year's GOAL Mile that has become as much a part of Christmas as mince pies and turkey stuffing for thousands of people all over the country.

Having started 26 years ago in the Phoenix Park, the GOAL Mile has become an annual event, with the 55 different miles run in 2006 raising over EUR300,000 for GOAL'S projects in the developing world.

As this is GOAL'S 30th anniversary, the orgnanisation wants to make sure that no matter where you are, there's a GOAL Mile near you.

To do this GOAL needs the help of enthusiastic people who want to help set up a GOAL Mile where they live.

Everything you would need to stage a GOAL Mile will be provided for you so it really couldn't be easier.

Chief executive of GOAL, John O'Shea, said: "We were absolutely delighted with the public's support for the GOAL Mile last year.

"But we believe there are many towns and villages where people would like to get involved but up to now haven't yet had a Mile organised locally.

"We'd be delighted to hear from anyone who would volunteer and stage one. And of course we'll assist them in any way we can.

"Not only does the Christmas Mile give people an opportunity to help us but it's also a chance to work off some of the seasonal excesses added Mr O'Shea.

Since it was founded by John O'Shea 30 years ago, GOAL has spent EUR400 million on its humanitarian programmes.

As part of its policy to ensure monies donated go to the world's poor, GOAL aims to keep its administrative costs as low as possible.

GOAL currently employs close to 130 GOALies in 11 developing countries across Africa, Asia and South America.

They include doctors, nurses, engineers, project managers, accountants and administrative personnel.

Anyone interested in organising a Christmas Mile can email Karen O'Shea at koshea@goal.ie

Alternatively, you can contact GOAL at 2809779.