One Hundred Goals a Day: Ava’s Inspiring Challenge to Support People Experiencing Homelessness

At just 11 years old, Ava Walsh showed a level of compassion and determination that has inspired everyone at The Welcome Organisation.

In December 2024, Ava set herself an extraordinary challenge: to score 100 netball goals every single day for a month to raise money for people experiencing homelessness in Belfast.

Her motivation came after a family trip to Belfast before Christmas. While attending the annual pantomime at the Grand Opera House, Ava noticed people sleeping in doorways, trying to shelter from the cold, and asking passers-by for help. The experience deeply affected her.

As her family explained:

“For someone so young, this really struck a chord with her and when we got home, she came to us and asked if she could donate some of the money she had received from her grandparents to help homeless people.”

After encouraging Ava to take some time to think about her idea, she came back with an even bigger plan. Having received a netball set for Christmas, Ava decided to challenge herself to score 100 goals every day for a full month in order to raise even more money.

Whatever the weather, she stuck to her goal.

“Some days were so cold, wet or dark that we moved the net into the garage amongst the garden tools, coal and logs that had been stored away for the winter, but she kept going regardless.”

By the end of the month, Ava had raised more than £1,000 for The Welcome Organisation.

Her family said:

“We are incredibly proud of her determination, kindness and compassion for others.”

Ava’s efforts were recognised by her school, which awarded her the Baroness May Blood Award for Community Activism.

Her belief is simple but powerful:

Everybody deserves to be treated with respect and, in a world of abundance, nobody should be left with nothing.”

We couldn’t agree more.

Ava’s story is a wonderful reminder that you are never too young to make a difference.

Thank you, Ava, for your generosity, determination and inspiring commitment to helping others.

Inspired by Ava?

Fundraisers like Ava’s are what allow us to continue providing the level of support and services that we do for people experiencing homelessness across Belfast.

Beyond raising vital funds, events like these bring people together around a shared purpose, increase awareness, and encourage long-term community involvement.

If Ava’s story has inspired you to organise your own fundraiser for The Welcome Organisation, we’d love to hear from you.

Visit our Do Your Own Fundraising page to find challenge and event ideas, fundraising tips, and everything you need to get started.

If you have any questions, please contact our Fundraising Manager, Beth Alexander, at elizabethalexander@welcomeorganisation.org.