Helping to change children's lives for good:
Donations open for the RT Toy Show Appeal 2024
For the last four years, the people of Ireland have donated in record numbers to the RT Toy Show Appeal, doing their part so that kids in every county across the island of Ireland can go on being kids.
In 2020, the nation was inspired to donate in unprecedented numbers by Saoirse Ruane from Kiltullagh Co Galway, who won the hearts of the nation with her appearance on The Late Late Toy Show. Saoirse inspired the official RT Toy Show Appeal that followed, which has raised over 21 million for children's charities to date.
Saoirse sadly passed away in March of this year, yet her enduring legacy continues with the RT Toy Show Appeal. Tonight, Saoirse's parents Roseanna and Ollie Ruane joined Late Late Show host Patrick Kielty to pay special tribute to Saoirse and, in recognition of her inspiring contribution, donations to the RT Toy Show Appeal have now opened one week ahead of the forthcoming Late Late Toy Show on December 6th.
The public can donate now by going to www.rte.ie/toyshowappeal, or with the appeal's official donation partner Revolut Pay.
In addition, in 2025 a grant award of up to 150,000 will be made in Saoirse's name to a chosen charity. The Saoirse Ruane Grant' will issue as part of the 2025 appeal allocations, and can be used over 2 years.
Kevin Bakhurst, Director-General, RT , says: The RT Toy Show Appeal is one of the most important things that we do as an organisation. We are so grateful for the support of our audience over the last four years, whose generosity has ensured that RT can continue to make a positive difference to the lives of thousands of children, and their families across the island, north and south. I'm particularly pleased to see the announcement of The Saoirse Ruane Grant in honour of Saoirse, and that donations to the RT Toy Show Appeal are opening a week earlier this year. Saoirse will be remembered as someone who made such a positive and lasting impact on us all. Her memory lives on through the RT Toy Show Appeal and the many young lives that it transforms.
Over the past three years 359 grants have been provided to 226 children's charities across the island of Ireland. It is estimated that the Appeal has helped over 1,100,000 children and family members annually since its inception. The appeal is managed by Community Foundation Ireland. Now over 20 years in existence, Community Foundation Ireland works with individuals, families, companies, and other trusts and foundations to support a diverse range of not-for-profit organisations. Community Foundation Ireland is a registered charity, (Charities Regulator Number: 20044886) and is committed to the highest standards of trust and governance.
As well as donating via the official RT Toy Show Appeal website, the public can also donate in-app with official donation partner Revolut Pay.
ENDS
Further Information: Jilly McDonough Press Officer | jilly.mcdonough@rte.ie
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Helping to change children's lives for good:
