Late Late Toy Show donations open early for RTE Toy Show Appeal in honour of Saoirse Ruane

Over the past four years, the people of Ireland have generously donated to the RTÉ Toy Show Appeal, ensuring that children across every county can continue to enjoy their childhood.

In 2020, Saoirse Ruane from Kiltullagh Co Galway inspired the nation with her appearance on The Late Late Toy Show, leading to record-breaking donations for the official RTÉ Toy Show Appeal. To date, over €21 million has been raised for children’s charities.

Sadly, Saoirse passed away in March this year, but her legacy lives on through the RTÉ Toy Show Appeal. Tonight, Saoirse’s parents Roseanna and Ollie Ruane joined Late Late Show host Patrick Kielty to pay a special tribute to Saoirse.

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In honour of her inspiring contribution, donations to the RTÉ Toy Show Appeal have now opened one week ahead of the upcoming Late Late Toy Show on December 6th.

Donations can be made at www.rte. ie/toyshowappeal or through the appeal’s official donation partner, Revolut Pay.

Furthermore, in 2025, a grant award of up to €150,000 will be made in Saoirse's name to a selected charity. 'The Saoirse Ruane Grant' will be issued as part of the 2025 appeal allocations and can be used over two years.

Kevin Bakhurst, Director-General, RTÉ, commented: "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.”

In the last three years, 359 grants have been provided to 226 children’s charities across Ireland. It's 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, which has been in existence for over 20 years. Community Foundation Ireland works with individuals, families, companies, and other trusts and foundations to support a diverse range of not-for-profit organisations.

As a registered charity (Charities Regulator Number: 20044886), Community Foundation Ireland is committed to the highest standards of trust and governance.

Donations can be made via the official RTÉ Toy Show Appeal website or in-app with official donation partner Revolut Pay.

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