Viewers across Ireland thanked as RTÉ Toy Show appeal raises over €5 million

RTÉ have thanked viewers as the Late Late Toy Show show appeal has reached record numbers of over €5 million following the Late Late Toy Show which took place on Friday the 6th of December 2024. People all across Ireland and abroad contributed to the cause that the RTÉ says allows "kids in every county across the island of Ireland can go on being kids."

Host of the Late Late Show Patrick Kielty says "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."

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The RTÉ Toy Show Appeal began in 2020, inspired by the story of Saoirse Ruane who won the hearts of the nation. The response from Late Late Toy Show viewers this year will again help transform the lives of over one million children, young people and their families in Ireland, with every county on the island benefitting.

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 Well Being to include therapy and trauma support, with the third category being Creativity and Play.

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 €26million 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 ways to donate made simple via the official RTÉ Toy Show Appeal website, the public were also able to donate in-app with official donation partner Revolut Pay. Of the €5m raised, over €3.7m was donated via Revolut.

Vlad Yatsenko, Co-Founder & CTO at Revolut, said: “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.”