The Late Late Toy Show charity appeal has raised more than €5 million for the first time.
The figure surpasses the €3.8 million raised last year and brings to €26 million the amount raised since 2020.
Of the €5 million raised this year, some €3.7 million of it was donated via online banking app Revolut.
The money raised will be used for three main areas of support: addressing essential needs for the most vulnerable children; health and wellbeing to include therapy and trauma support; and improving creativity and play.
The Late Late Toy Show host Patrick Kielty said: “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 Late Late Toy Show Appeal began in 2020, inspired by the story of Saoirse Ruane who was diagnosed that year with cancer and who died in March aged 12.
RTÉ Director General, Kevin Bakhurst thanked the Irish public for surpassing the €5 million milestone.
“The funds raised since 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.”
Among those across the country who benefited from last year’s appeal were Hand in Hand Children’s Cancer Charity in Galway who have been using their grant to help with providing emotional supports for children and families in Ireland affected by a childhood cancer diagnosis.
Limerick Youth Service; Feed Cork; and Laois Domestic Abuse Service all received grants, with Graffiti Theatre Company using their grant to support children in DEIS schools and young people with disabilities with its Our Way, Our World theatre programme.
Sing Ireland have been using their funding to support community SingSpace workshops in ten locations across five counties in Ireland, and Neurodiversity Ireland, an inclusive, child-led, neuro-affirmative space has been awarded funds to help neurodivergent minds “to encourage exploration, growth, self-discovery and self-regulation”.
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