The Late Late Show Irish Red Cross appeal raises over €3 million of vital funds destined for Ukraine aid

Through the enormous generosity and goodwill of the Irish people, The Late Late Show Irish Red Cross fundraising appeal for Ukraine currently reaches just over €3 million of vital funds since last night’s show.
 
The funds will help those directly impacted by the war in Ukraine and assist the humanitarian work of those directly on the ground in providing basic human needs such as food, water, medical supplies and shelter. This work is being carried out by the Red Cross Societies on the ground in Ukraine and surrounding countries including Poland, Romania and Hungary. 
 
Last night’s RTÉ Late Late Show was dedicated to the crisis and heard from Ukrainian’s living in Ireland about their concerns and worries for their families and friends, An Taoiseach Micheál Martin, humanitarian Adi Roche, Dublin-band Aslan, singer/songwriter Róisín Murphy, Hollywood actor Alan Cumming who all supported the appeal and paid respect to the people of Ukraine.
 
Dee Forbes, Director General of RTÉ said:
“The tragedy unfolding in Ukraine over the past week has been extremely difficult to watch and to comprehend. We are all now acutely aware of the scale and impact of Russia’s shocking attack on Ukraine and the personal stories of loss, suffering and fear among those living in and around Ukraine, as well as their loved ones living here. These events are having an enormous impact on all of us, but it is vital that we continue to tell these stories in every way we can. The truth matters. I’d like to once again thank the Irish public for giving so generously to last night’s Late Late Show appeal which will help the Red Cross cope with the crisis on the ground.”
 
Ryan Tubridy, Host of The Late Late Show said: 
“We were taken aback in a really good way by what happened last night. The Irish people rose to the occasion and donated over three million euro which is just remarkable. The story in Ukraine has touched the nation’s hearts and the bravery and courage of the Ukrainian people to come to the audience last night, it won’t be forgotten and is greatly appreciated. As always, the whole Late Late Show team, are gratefully beyond belief to the Irish people for what they did last night.”
 
On behalf of The Late Late team, Producers Katherine Drohan and Jane Murphy said: “Once again the people of Ireland have responded with empathy and incredible generosity when we’ve called on them for support through The Late Late Show. Our thoughts are with the people of Ukraine, their families and friends in Ireland and the many aid workers across Europe who will assist in the emergency response.”
 
Liam O’Dwyer Secretary-General of Irish Red Cross said: 
 
“We are so grateful to RTÉ, The Late Late Show and Ryan Tubridy for the opportunity and their amazing support in raising such a massive amount of money which will make a huge difference to the people affected by the crisis in Ukraine. Of course, we must remember and thank so many Irish people that donated this money and we assure them their donations will make a huge difference on the ground where the various Red Cross societies are working 24/7 to alleviate human suffering. In just one week they have donated just over nine million euro including the amount raised on last night’s Late Late Show. We want to assure that the money is going directly towards food, water, medicines and shelter to refugees and Ukrainian people. We now ask the Irish public to consider registering a pledge on our website, to offer Ukrainian refugees that will be coming into Ireland in the coming weeks, the choice of a room in their home or if they had a spare property that can be made available check our register pledges on www.redcross.ie.”
 
Donation lines will remain open over the course of the weekend. People can donate online at: donate.redcross.ie or by phone: 1800 948 258