Donations for the RTÉ Toy Show Appeal 2025 - the annual fundraiser that has seen over €26 million raised for children's charities across the island of Ireland in the past five years - will be launched tonight.
The appeal was inspired by the late Saoirse Ruane from Kiltullagh, Co Galway, whose courage and generosity touched the nation when she appeared on The Late Late Toy Show.
Renowned Irish jockey Rachael Blackmore will officially launch the 2025 RTÉ Toy Show Appeal on tonight's Late Late Show.
She will highlight the Jack de Bromhead Equine Centre at ChildVision, a project close to her heart that is supported by the Appeal, which offers therapeutic equine activities that builds confidence, coordination, and emotional connection through the power of horses.
For the first time, RTÉ will broadcast Unwrapped: The Toy Show Appeal, a one-hour special airing on 30 November at 7.30pm on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player.
The programme will showcase the real impact of the public's generosity, sharing powerful stories from children and families across Ireland.
Viewers will meet Lucy Kelly in Cork, whose world has opened up through The Crann Centre; young cancer survivor Sophie Quirke from Tipperary, who enjoyed a magical day thanks to Oscar’s Kids; and the Ryan family finding comfort at Barretstown Bereavement Camp, along with others supported by Safe Haven Sailing, ChildVision, BUMBLEance, Fighting Words and My Canine Companion.
Kevin Bakhurst, Director-General, RTÉ, said: "As we mark the fifth year of the RTÉ Toy Show Appeal, it feels right to pause and reflect on what has been achieved. Five years ago, inspired by the courage and kindness of young Saoirse Ruane, we launched an appeal that has since grown beyond anything we could have imagined.
"What began as a single moment has evolved into something sustained and significant – with over €26 million raised, and more than a million children and families supported annually across every county on this island.
"The story of the appeal is, at its heart, the story of people at their best. In times of personal challenge - through a global pandemic, through cost-of-living pressures, through uncertainty - our viewers have consistently chosen to give.
"They have transformed their Friday night tradition of watching The Late Late Toy Show into something even more meaningful."
Over the past five years, more than 650 grants have been provided to over 500 children's charities across the island of Ireland.
The appeal has raised over €26 million since its inception in 2020 and helps over one million children and their family members annually. The appeal is managed by Community Foundation Ireland.
Donations can be made from tonight from 9.35pm at www.rte.ie/toyshowappeal or via the Appeal's official donation partner, Revolut Pay.
Watch Unwrapped: The Toy Show Appeal on 30 November at 7.30pm on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player.
