RTÉ has announced details of what will happen to the money raised from last year’s Toy Show Appeal. The appeal saw €6.6m raised for a host of children’s charities last November.
RTÉ announced that the money will be shared amongst children's charities including Barnardos Ireland, Children's Health Foundation, and Children's Books Ireland. Barnardos has been given €1.5 million, the Children's Health Foundation €1.5 million, Children's Books Ireland €302,690, and the Community Foundation Northern Ireland will receive €662,335. The remaining €2.7 million will be available for children's charities in an open call for grants to be managed by The Community Foundation for Ireland, RTÉ’s registered charity partner.
The appeal was inspired by Saoirse Ruane, who raised money through a host of fundraisers because after she was diagnosed with a tumour. Saoirse raised more money than was initially needed so she donated the extra money to the charities and hospitals that had helped her.
Dee Forbes, Director-General RTÉ, said "The RTÉ Toy Show Appeal was an idea that really resonated with our audience, and their incredible generosity will achieve great things and for that, we're hugely grateful.
"It is a legacy we want to continue to build on and this is the beginning of an exciting journey in helping many more children in years to come."
Also speaking about the announcement, Ryan Tubridy said: "We want to offer a huge 'thank you' to every single person who donated. We were quite simply overwhelmed with the response from an audience who have been so, so giving. It's safe to say our expectations were exceeded, beyond all our hopes.
"Children like Saoirse and Adam inspired and lifted the nation when we really needed it. It's important that we look after them and children across Ireland for years to come through the RTÉ Toy Show Appeal. This money is really going to make a difference – thank you all."
