The RTÉ Toy Show Appeal has now raised more than €30 million since it began in 2020, after viewers in Ireland and around the world donated over €4.6 million during and after Friday night's Late Late Toy Show.
RTÉ estimates that the appeal now supports over one million children and family members every year, funding projects that provide practical help, care and opportunities for young people across the country.
The appeal was launched in 2020, inspired by the story of Saoirse Ruane, whose bravery and warmth on the Toy Show touched viewers nationwide. Since then, hundreds of local and national charities in every county have received funding.
This year's donations will again be distributed through Community Foundation Ireland.
Eligible registered charities will be invited to apply for grants under three strands: essential needs for the most vulnerable children, health and wellbeing supports including therapy and trauma services, and creativity and play initiatives.
Host of the Late Late Toy Show Patrick Kielty thanked viewers for their response to Friday’s programme.
"We cannot thank you enough for your amazing donations to this year’s RTÉ Toy Show Appeal. As we all saw on Friday night, at the heart of the Toy Show is kindness, from our children in the studio and from you watching at home. The difference your donations will make to kids and their families at this time of year is huge, and so appreciated. To all of you who have helped change lives right across Ireland we say a big go raibh maith agaibh," he said.
RTÉ Director-General Kevin Bakhurst said the appeal remained central to RTÉ’s public service role.
"After such a heartwarming Late Late Toy Show on Friday night it has been remarkable to see that generosity continue throughout the weekend. We are very grateful to the many individuals and families who have given to the appeal this year. These funds will provide valuable support, transformative in many cases, to children and their families in every county across the island.
"The RTÉ Toy Show Appeal remains one of the most important and impactful things that we do in RTÉ. To have raised in excess of €30 million since it began in 2020 is an incredible milestone. Thank you," he said.
Denise Charlton, Chief Executive of Community Foundation Ireland, said work was already under way to turn donations into support on the ground.
"Turning the huge generosity of viewers into actions which benefit children in every county is a task we do not take lightly. The Community Foundation will use insights gained through 25 years of successful grant-making, together with advice from independent experts, to ensure the wishes of the Toy Show viewers are realised.
"Food, shelter and warmth will be provided, safe spaces created and calls for help answered as a direct result of the RTÉ Toy Show Appeal. Colour, energy and joy will also be brought into so many young lives. On behalf of the Foundation and our partners working with children every day, thank you," she said.
Donations were accepted through the RTÉ Toy Show Appeal website and in-app via official donation partner Revolut Pay. Of the €4.6 million raised since Friday night, more than €3.5 million was donated via Revolut, with every cent going directly to Community Foundation Ireland to distribute to children’s charities.
Donations to the RTÉ Toy Show Appeal remain open until 19 December 2025.
