Dear Editor,

On behalf of everyone at GOAL, I would like through your newspaper to thank the people of Cork for turning out in such large numbers over the Christmas holiday period to support their local GOAL Mile. Particular praise must go to the organisers of GOAL Miles in Glanmire; St Catherine’s GAA, Ballynoe; St Joseph’s Foundation, Charleville; Doneraile Park and Cork IT, Bishopstown who once again gave so generously of their time to make the event a success.

A record 114 GOAL Miles were held across Ireland this year, with thousands of our supporters taking part and donating whatever they can afford towards our work in the developing world.

GOAL is currently delivering aid in 14 countries. Most recently, we deployed an emergency response team to the Philippines in response to Typhoon Haiyan, which affected over 14 million people. To date, we have distributed essential aid, including food, water and shelter kits, to 50,000 people.

We have also expanded our emergency response programme in northern Syria, where we deliver monthly food rations to 240,000 people. GOAL is also delivering food vouchers to 133,000 people in the war-torn country.

Without the generous support we receive from the Irish public, our sustained efforts on behalf of the world’s most vulnerable people would not be possible.

Thank you,

Barry Andrews,

GOAL CEO