Donations open for the Toy Show charity appeal as RTE introduce new 'The Saoirse Ruane Grant'

Donations have opened for the annual Late Late Toy Show charity appeal as the big night will take place next week.

For the last four years, the people of Ireland have donated in record numbers to the RTÉ Toy Show Appeal, doing their part so that kids in every county across the island of Ireland can go on being kids.

This year, RTE has also introduced a brand new grant, called The Saoirse Ruane Grant.

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In 2020, the nation was inspired to donate in previously unseen 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 RTÉ 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 RTÉ Toy Show Appeal. Her parents Roseanna and Ollie appeared on tonight's show to pay tribute to their daughter and help announce that donations have opened for the Toy Show appeal ahead of the Toy Show next Friday, 6th of December.

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, RTÉ, says: “ The RTÉ 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 RTÉ 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 RTÉ 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 RTÉ Toy Show Appeal and the many young lives that it transforms.”