The Late Late Toy Show charity appeal has this afternoon surpassed the €5 million mark, with a total of €5,161,897 so far raised, and further donations of up to €1m yet to be added by Revolut co-founder Vlad Yatsenko.
Following technical difficulties with the banking app last night, Mr Yatsenko announced a €100,000 donation to the appeal, and pledged to match any further donations this weekend via the RevolutApp up to €1m.
Last night's show saw the children of Ireland turn toy testers, a surprise appearance by Ed Sheeran, and much more.
What an incredible support @RevolutApp customers gave to a worthy charity @RTELateLateShow! Granted, there were some challenges at the peek of the live campaign. So, I've personally donated €100K, and will also match any further donations this weekend via @RevolutApp up to €1M.
— Vlad Yatsenko (@vyatsenko) November 27, 2021
Mr Yatsenko, a Ukrainian billionaire based in London, said: "What an incredible support RevolutApp customers gave to a worthy charity RTELateLateShow! Granted, there were some challenges at the peek (sic) of the live campaign. So, I've personally donated €100K, and will also match any further donations this weekend via RevolutApp up to €1m."
Revolut, which was founded by Mr Yatsenko and Nikolay Storonsky in 2015 and claims to have 1.5 million Irish customers, was dogged by serious technical issues on Black Friday, with customers having problems signing in, making card payments, topping up their bank cards or making money transfers.
Toy Show viewers were hit by technical difficulties last night while trying to donate to the appeal.
"Hi, there are currently issues affecting our app functionalities," Revolut said on Twitter. "We’re already working to have this resolved as soon as possible. We apologise for the inconvenience! We're really sorry for the trouble."
The RTÉ Toy Show Appeal in partnership with The Community Foundation for Ireland helped over 600,000 children and family members across the island of Ireland last year.
Viewers can continue to donate to Irish charities at www.rte.ie/toyshowappeal and via the 'donations' tab on the Revolut app.
Dustin the Turkey was among those who expressed their disappointment with Revolut last night and has now welcomed Mr Yatsenko's pledge.
Nice one Vlad The Lad! We did it everyone!!!! @vyatsenko the gaffer @RevolutApp has just donated €100k and says he'll match up to a million more!!! #LateLateToyShow #OnceAgainDustinSavesTheDay#YourWelcome https://t.co/bUEoXhBoYq
— Dustin The Turkey (@DustinOfficial) November 27, 2021