Over 1.1 children and their families will benefit from donations raised during the 2021 Late Late Toy Show Appeal, it has been revealed today.
Last November, an audience of 1.8 million viewers helped raise over €6.6 million to help change children's lives for the better.
This money will now be used to support the work of registered children's charities and community groups across the island of Ireland.
154 charities are to receive grants, up from 55 last year, and for the first time, at least one project in every county will benefit.
The RTÉ Toy Show Appeal in partnership with the Community Foundation for Ireland has announced that the following four charities are to receive transformative grants of more than €300,000:
Exchange House Ireland in Limerick promotes equal opportunities for Travellers in areas of health, education, training, accommodation, and enterprise on a nationwide basis.
Baboró International Arts Festival for Children in Galway inspires all children regardless of geographic, economic, physical, intellectual, or cultural status to engage with the creative arts.
Spraoi agus Spórt in Donegal provides affordable and inclusive opportunities, activities and experiences for children, families, young people, and adults.
Parents Plus develops and delivers evidenced-based parenting, mental health, and educational interventions for vulnerable families.
The remainder of the donations will be split amongst 150 charities across the island of Ireland including well-known organisations like the Jack and Jill Foundation, Barnardos, Family Carers Ireland, the ISPCC, the Irish Wheelchair Association, Children’s Books Ireland, ARC Cancer Support Services and Oscars’ Kids Ireland.
Over £525,000 has been awarded to 14 charities and organisations in Northern Ireland including Kids Together Belfast, Kinship Care Northern Ireland, and Clonmore Youth Club.
The full list of organisations can be found here.
Speaking about the announcement, The Late Late Show host Ryan Tubridy said: "The Irish public has simply blown us away with their generosity and kindness of spirit.
"The donations given will enrich the lives of children across our island who need it most to give them the support, care, and encouragement that they need.
"We want to offer a huge thank you to every single person who donated. We were truly overwhelmed with the response."
Director-General of RTÉ, Dee Forbes commented: "The Late Late Toy Show is an evening where generations unite, and the country celebrates some incredible and inspirational children.
"Viewers once again responded to the call to give with extraordinary generosity, and those donations will make an enormous difference to the work of so many organisations.
"The fact that this money will impact the lives of over 1.1 million children is phenomenal and we are very grateful to everyone who gave, which is what makes all these grants possible".
Chief Executive of the Community Foundation for Ireland, Denise Charlton added: "Children, parents and amazing organisations are seeing the magic of the RTÉ Toy Show Appeal turned into actions which will transform young lives.
"From addressing essential needs, improving wellbeing to supporting creativity and play the generosity of television viewers is bringing not only vital support but also colour and joy to children, families and to wider communities."
