Thousands of people are expected to take part in the GOAL Mile this Christmas as people run or walk a mile to raise funds for the charity.
The GOAL Mile will take place in 23 locations across Dublin during the Christmas period. GOAL works with vulnerable communities in 14 countries across the globe in Africa, the Middle East, Latin America and now, Ukraine.
Dick Hooper who organises the GOAL mile in St. Anne's Park in Raheny, spoke to Dublin Live about the upcoming events taking place in Dublin.. "It is a positive start to the day for all the family," he said and invited Ukrainian families to take part in the event.
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"Ukrainians are here as our guests and they are more than welcome," he says. "I hope some Ukrainians turn up to take part."
Last year was the first year the event returned in person after the pandemic, with the GOAL mile raising over €400,000 nationally in 2022.
Dick said that the donations made help alleviate poverty wherever the current crisis is globally that year, as well as alleviating hunger and hardships. "Christmas is a time for giving, and this is the perfect opportunity to give to those less fortunate," he said.
The event is open for people of all fitness levels, with Dick saying that for some people it's competitive but it's main focus is on raising funds for global causes. Most events take place on the morning of Christmas Day, and Dick said: "It's a lovely start to the day, go run your mile, feel good about yourself and get the appetite going for the big dinner!"
There are people with buckets at each location for cash collection, as well as the ability to tap and go or you can pay online before the event if you want to donate.
Here are the 23 locations, dates and times in Dublin where you can take part in the GOAL Miles:
- Irishtown Stadium, Christmas Day, 10am-12pm
- St Anne's Park, Raheny (St Paul's entrance), Christmas Day, 11am
- Kilbogget Park, Killiney/Ballybrack, Christmas Day, 10am - 12pm
- Marlay Park, St. Stephen's Day, 11:00am - 1pm
- Papal Cross, Pheonix Park, Christmas Day, 10:30am - 12pm
- Herbert Park, St. Stephen's Day, 10:00am - 12pm
- Tallaght Athletic Club, Greenhills Road, Christmas Day, 9:30am-12pm
- St. Raphaela's School, Christmas Day, 10:30am-12pm
- Lucan Harriers AC, Christmas Day, 10am - 12pm
- Eamonn Ceannt Park, Sundrive Road, Christmas Day, 10:30am - 12pm
- Blackrock RFC, Stradbrook, St. Stephen's Day, 10am - 2pm
- Malahide Castle, Back Road, Car Park, Christmas Day, 11:00am
- Porterstown Park, MSB A.C. Christmas Day, 11:00am
- River Valley, Swords, St. Stephen's Day, 10am - 12pm
- Corkagh Park Car Park, Clondalkin (meet at main car park) , St. Stephen's Day, 12:00pm
- Knocklyon, Cherryfield Pitch (opposite Ballyboden St Endas), Christmas Day, 10.00am - 11.30am
- Shanganagh Park, Shankill, Christmas Day, 9:30am
- Skerries Rugby Club, New Year's Day, 12 -2pm
- Ballyboughal GFC, New Year's Day, 11am
- Terenure College, St. Stephen's Day, 11am-1pm
- Richmond Park Stadium, Inchicore, In partnership with St Patrick's Athletic, St. Stephen's Day, 11am-1pm
- Fernhill, Christmas Day, 10am-12pm
- Brickfields Park, Drimnagh, St. Stephen's Day, 12pm-2pm
For more information visit www.goalmile.org
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