The Toy Show Appeal has reached millions of children since its inception in 2020.
And this year’s appeal is set to help over one million children in every single county across Ireland.
RTÉ and Community Foundation Ireland have announced the 169 recipients of the RTÉ Toy Show Appeal grant awards in 2025, with the lives of Irish children right across the country set to be changed for good in a variety of ways.
During The Toy Show in December, viewers generously donated €5 million on the night.
To date, the Toy Show Appeal has raised over €26 million for Irish charities since its inception five years ago.
The RTÉ Toy Show Appeal began in 2020 and was inspired by the story of Saoirse Ruane from Kiltullagh, Co. Galway, who captivated viewers with her appearance on The Late Late Toy Show. Saoirse sadly died aged 12 in March 2024.
Four charities received between €95,000 and €140,000 – Exchange House, The Crann Centre CLG, The Jack and Jill’s Children’s Foundation and Women’s Aid.
Announcing the grants, RTÉ Director General, Kevin Bakhurst said: “The RTÉ Toy Show Appeal is one of RTÉ’s most important initiatives – we are humbled by and grateful for the generosity of our Late Late Toy Show audience.
“Your continued support has ensured that the RTÉ Toy Show Appeal will continue to make a positive difference to the lives of thousands of children and their families, across the island, north and south. The memory of Saoirse Ruane lives on with every annual RTÉ Toy Show Appeal, as thousands of young lives are transformed year after year.”
What an incredible achievement!
