AIB NI invites people in County Down to ‘Step Up Together’ for this year’s GOAL Mile
This Christmas, AIB NI is encouraging people in Down to connect, reflect, and give back this festive season by taking part in the 2025 GOAL Mile challenge.
Taking place across the island of Ireland in December, the annual tradition unites thousands of people each year in a simple but powerful one-mile challenge in support of the GOAL charity and its life-changing humanitarian programmes around the world.
There are three GOAL Mile community walks planned in County Down so far over the festive period in Newtownards and Newry.
For the third year, AIB NI has joined forces with well-known lifestyle creator Denise Curran, who is helping encourage households, workplaces, sports clubs, and friendship groups to get involved.
Participants are asked to complete roughly 2,000 steps, the equivalent of one mile, as a gesture of support for communities around the world living with the daily realities of poverty, conflict, climate shocks, and food insecurity.
Sharing why the initiative resonates with her, ambassador Denise Curran said: “The GOAL Mile is one of those moments in the year that feels both grounding and uplifting.
“It invites us to slow down, reconnect with each other, and remember that a small act can spark real change. This is the third year I’ll be taking part, and I love the sense of community it fosters.
Together let’s make every step count and I’d encourage anyone, no matter their age or fitness level, to join in and help bring a little hope to those who need it most, it’s a small effort that can have real impact.”
The GOAL Mile has grown from a small community event into a Christmas tradition embraced by thousands of people annually.
The money raised supports GOAL’s work across Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America, where the organisation provides emergency response, long-term resilience programmes, health support, and initiatives aimed at helping communities build sustainable futures.
AIB’s continued partnership with GOAL reflects the bank’s wider commitment to strengthening communities and backing organisations working at the front line of global challenges.
Early registration for the 2025 events is now open at GOALmile.org, where participants can find their nearest location or sign up to host a mile themselves.
Co Down GOAL Mile locations:
- Portaferry GAC, Ballyfounder Rd, Newtownards, Christmas Day, 10am-12pm
- Woodland Trust, Mourne Country Park, 228 Newry Rd, Kilkeel, Friday, 27th December, 11am-12pm
- St Mary’s GAA Grounds, Carrogs Road, Burren, Co. Down BT34 3PY, Christmas Day, 11am-1pm
For a full list of GOAL Mile locations, visit:
https://goalmile.org/locations
Image one: Denise Curran and her family taking part in the GOAL Mile
Image two: Lifestyle Creator Denise Curran is partnering with AIB to encourage communities to join the GOAL Mile
