This year's RTÉ Toy Show Appeal has raised over €5 million with people at home and abroad donating in record numbers to help children and their families across the island of Ireland.
Sharing the news, Late Late Toy Show host 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. Saoirse sadly passed away in March of this year, but her enduring legacy continues with the annual appeal.
The response from Late Late Toy Show viewers this year will again help over one million children, young people, and their families in Ireland, with every county on the island benefitting. The public donated via www.rte.ie/toy-show-appeal and the official donation partner, Revolut Pay. Of the €5m raised, over €3.7m was donated via Revolut.
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 €26 million 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."
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 Wellbeing to include therapy and trauma support, with the third category being Creativity and Play. The appeal is managed by Community Foundation Ireland.
Denise Charlton, Chief Executive, Community Foundation Ireland, said: "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 under way. 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."
Vlad Yatsenko, Co-Founder & CTO at Revolut, added: "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."
