RTÉ Toy Show Appeal Update

Now in its fifth year, the people of Ireland and abroad have given with such generosity and donated in record numbers to reach over €5 million to this year’s RTÉ Toy Show Appeal, so that kids in every county across the island of Ireland can go on being kids.

Host of the Late Late Toy Show Patrick Kielty said: “We are so, so delighted to say that thanks to your huge generosity this year, The Toy Show Appeal has now reached over €5 million, you have no idea what you have done. We have so many projects across the island of Ireland that are going to benefit from this and with Christmas just around the corner, the difference this is going to make to kids and their families all across Ireland is huge. Thank you so much.”

The RTÉ Toy Show Appeal began in 2020, inspired by the story of Saoirse Ruane who won the hearts of the nation. The response from Late Late Toy Show viewers this year will again help transform the lives of over one million children, young people and their families in Ireland, with every county on the island benefitting.

With over €5 million donated, once applications open in January the money raised will be granted under three main areas of support: Addressing Essential Needs for the most vulnerable children, Health and Well Being to include therapy and trauma support, with the third category being Creativity and Play.

RTÉ Director-General, Kevin Bakhurst said: “I am so thankful to the many people across Ireland, and abroad that have once again given so generously to the RTÉ Toy Show Appeal, allowing us to reach such a milestone. These funds are so important and will provide valuable support, transformative in many cases, to children and their families in every county across the island.

The funds raised – over €26million since we started the RTÉ Toy Show Appeal in 2020 – make a real and positive difference which is why it remains one of the most important and impactful things that we do in RTÉ. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.

Among those across the country who benefitted from last year’s Toy Show Appeal, to name a few, were Hand in Hand Children’s Cancer Charity in Galway who have been using their grant to help with providing emotional supports for children and families in Ireland affected by a childhood cancer diagnosis. Limerick Youth Service, Feed Cork, Laois Domestic Abuse Service all received grants with Graffiti Theatre Company using their grant to support children in DEIS schools and young people with disabilities with its ‘Our Way, Our World’ theatre programme, so they can grow their creative expression. Sing Ireland, have been using their funding to support community SingSpace workshops in ten locations across five counties in Ireland, and Neurodiversity Ireland, an inclusive, child-led, neuro-affirmative space supported by our occupational therapists has been awarded funds helping neurodivergent minds to encourage exploration, growth, self-discovery, and self-regulation.

Denise Charlton, Chief Executive, Community Foundation Ireland added: “The generosity of Late Late Toy Show viewers is passing an incredible milestone. It is the best possible festive story, but its impact on children’s lives will of course continue long after the decorations come down and the lights are switched off. At Community Foundation Ireland preparations to open for applications for groups to apply for funding in the New Year are well underway. Updates will be posted in www.communityfoundation.ie.

For now, we just want to add our sincere thanks and merry Christmas to every single RTÉ viewer who supported the appeal.

With ways to donate made simple via the official RTÉ Toy Show Appeal website, the public were also able to donate in-app with official donation partner Revolut Pay. Of the €5m raised, over €3.7m was donated via Revolut.

Vlad Yatsenko, Co-Founder & CTO at Revolut, said: “The RTÉ Toy Show Appeal is such an important cause and it delivers year after year. We know how important it is for the many children and families it supports across Ireland. I’m thrilled with the incredible generosity our customers have shown to such a worthy appeal — with donating made even easier this year with the introduction of Revolut Pay. Every last cent goes directly to children’s charities.”