Vienna, Austria
March 2005


Children of St Raphael's pose in front of Gôl's new flag

Whilst in Austria for the World Cup qualifying match, Gôl! took the opportunity to visit two centres that care for children in the capital city, Vienna.

The first visit was to St. Rafael's childrens home in Vienna. The home cares for 22 children divided into two groups; those who are from broken homes ranging in age from 13 to 19 and also children aged 7 to 18 who are mentally handicapped. At St. Rafael's Gôl! donated shirts, gifts, toys and 1500€ to help provide the children with a summer holiday at an Austrian out of bounds centre.

The second visit was to the Rainman's Home, a day-centre which cares for and provides therapy for autistic young people. There were 25 young people and adults aged 16 - 30 living there. Most were under 20 however the "mental age" was a lot younger.

Gôl again donated shirts, gifts etc and 1500€ towards the cost of building an activity and relaxation room at the center. The room will have facilities which will enable the young people to increase their physical awareness, improve their optic and tactile perception skills as well as providing a relaxing atmosphere.

Children and adults from both St. Rafael's and Rainman's Homes also attended the Austria v Wales game courtesy of Gôl! and the Austrian Football Association.

Gôl! would like to thank Barbara Edwards of AWA and Linda Hirlehey of the British Embassy for their help in arranging both visits and to the British Ambassador for Austria, John Macgregor, who accompanied Gôl! to the Rainman's Home.
 

A flag made by the children at Rainman's to welcome Gôl