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Westmeath Topic , 19th June 2008
The students from Colaiste Mhuire, Mullingar this year raised 17,000 euro for Goal's Uganda Housing Programme.
The proceeds from their annual sponsored soccer tournament will now fund the construction of five houses, each costing EUR3,200, which will accommodate 6 to 8 people. The event, held on April 4th, was once again an outstanding success, continuing the St. Mary's commitment and contribution to Goal's 3rd World Development Pro-John O'Shea, CEO of Goal, accepted the cheque on his visit to Colaiste Mhuire on Tuesday May 27th. He paid a glowing tribute to the school, its staff and students, for the efforts over the last 17 years, in raising much needed funds and creating an awareness of the plight of so many vulnerable people in the 3rd World. He stated why this support is so vital to the many volunteers currently working in fifteen countries worldwide. Goal, he said, spent 60 million euro last year in their many fields of operation, bringing food, shelter and medical supplies where it's most needed.
He also stated it was particularly pleasing that the students of Colaiste Mhuire made this great effort, as it offered deprived young people, living off rubbish dumps and in squalor, a chance to have some quality of life and dignity. This money provided the seed capital for the Goal volunteers to continue their work. He said that the international community had let the people of the 3rd world down but that so many Irish people had a true sense of 3rd world issues, and like the children here of St. Mary's, had responded magnificently. Colaiste Mhuire is now the 2nd highest school in Ireland and the U.K in its contribution to Goal pro-John O'Shea invited students to come and work for Goal when they have qualified in their various careers as nurses, doctors, engineers etc. He assured them that each person could make a real difference in their own way, creating an awareness and taking an initiative. Goal itself originated from very humble beginnings to what its achievements are today
In conclusion, he expressed heartfelt thanks to the gathered assembly of staff and students, stating that there is nothing greater that you may do than to save someone else's life.
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