Dungloe AIB staff encourage communities to take part in the GOAL Mile this Christmas

AIB staff in Dungloe have been jumping for joy at the prospect of encouraging people across Donegal to Step Up Together and take part in the GOAL Mile this Christmas season.

Celebrating its 40th anniversary, the GOAL Mile has seen tens of thousands of people run or walk a mile (just 2,000 steps) to raise funds for GOAL at this time of the year.

The GOAL Mile enables GOAL’s work supporting vulnerable communities in 14 countries across the globe in Africa, the Middle East, Latin America and now, Ukraine.

This year, AIB is encouraging everyone to Step up Together and re-establish the Christmas GOAL Mile tradition with their friends and families, or to create a new GOAL Mile tradition.

AIB staff members from Dungloe have already started the ball rolling.

Prior to taking on their 2,000-step challenge, Jacqui Coyle from the branch said it is important for everyone to remember those who are in most need.

"By completing our own AIB GOAL Mile as a team, we can play a small part in helping those in vulnerable communities. The event has become a Christmas tradition for many families and perhaps, this year, as families come together, why not build up your appetite for Christmas dinner and help those in need?

"AIB is committed to supporting sustainable communities. In supporting GOAL and encouraging communities across the island of Ireland to take part in the GOAL Mile this Christmas, AIB helps GOAL reach the most vulnerable communities already suffering deeply from the impact of climate change, poverty, hunger, and conflict."

GOAL CEO, Siobhán Walsh added: “The 40th Anniversary of the GOAL Mile is a big milestone. Last year was the most successful to date. It speaks to the power of partnership and that when we work together to connect with our communities in powerful ways, extraordinary things happen. We look forward to celebrating our 40th GOAL Mile with you as a key member of the GOAL family. Together, we can create lasting change in our world.”

People and communities across Ireland can Step Up Together to take part in the GOAL Mile by visiting www.goalmile.org. They can register to take part in one of the hundreds of AIB GOAL Mile events taking place across Ireland, sign-up to organise a new event, or pledge to take their 2,000 steps at any time throughout the month of December sharing their experiences on their social media channels. Donations to GOAL can be made at www.goalglobal.org/donate