The RTÉ Toy Show Appeal raises over €30 million in 6 Years

Changing children’s lives for good: A staggering €4.6 million raised in the 2025 appeal

The people of Ireland and people all over the world have once again responded with enormous generosity to the annual RTÉ Toy Show Appeal and have raised over €4.6 million for the appeal this year. Now in its sixth year, the cumulative donations stand at over €30 million. Funds raised have supported an estimate of over one million children and family members annually since its inception. By supporting the appeal, the public are helping to change the lives of children and families nationwide for good, turning the joy of the nation’s favourite programme event into lasting impact.

Host of The Late Late Toy Show Patrick Kielty said: “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!”

The RTÉ Toy Show Appeal began in 2020, inspired by the story of Saoirse Ruane who won the hearts of the nation. These funds have supported hundreds of local and national charities in every county, transforming lives and creating opportunities for children who need it most. 

With over €4.6 million donated to this year’s appeal, eligible registered charities will be invited to apply for grants through an open application process managed by registered charity Community Foundation Ireland (RCN: 20044886).  Grants will be allocated 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: “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.”

Denise Charlton, Chief Executive, Community Foundation Ireland added: “Turning the huge generosity of viewers into actions which benefit children in every county is a task we do not take lightly. That work is now underway. 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.”
 
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 €4.6 million raised since Friday night’s Late Late Toy Show, over €3.5 million was donated via Revolut. Donations through either option will remain open to 19 December 2025.

Vlad Yatsenko, Co-Founder and CTO at Revolut, said: “The RTÉ Toy Show Appeal is such an incredibly important cause, and I am absolutely thrilled with the phenomenal generosity our customers have shown once again this year. Our annual support of the Appeal is something we always look forward to, knowing how important it is for the many children and families it supports across the island of Ireland. Every last cent raised from our customers goes directly to registered charity Community Foundation Ireland who will distribute grants to children’s charities meaning that together, we are helping to change children’s lives for good.”

-ENDS-