Patrick Kielty’s ‘Late Late Toy Show’ brings in charity funds

Following a year of financial controversies, RTÉ is celebrating festive fundraising.

RTÉ’s Elf-themed Late Late Toy Show raised €3.6 million for the  RTÉ Toy Show Appeal, with the programme becoming the most-watched programme of the year and breaking records on RTÉ Player with those watching in Ireland and around the world. The toy demo kids also helped spread the cheer beyond RTÉ platforms, with #LateLateToyShow generating an enormous 26.2 million video views and 2.2 million interactions on social media.

Host Patrick Kielty:

“I’m still coming back down to earth from an amazing night last Friday. I want to express huge thanks to everyone who helped make this year’s Late Late Toy Show so special. To all of you who watched, to the brilliant kids who brought their magic and put a giant smile on all of our faces. And, to every last one of you who gave so generously to our Toy Show Appeal – you have made a massive difference to so many children’s lives – thank you! Being part of it is something I will never forget – a forever night!” 

Average TV viewing for Friday night’s show is now over 1.7 million, including catch-up viewing on Saturday and Sunday. As host Patrick Kielty channelled Buddy the Elf in his debut Toy Show, audiences from an unprecedented 147 countries worldwide streamed the annual extravaganza which this year featured over 170 performers from around the country including unforgettable toy demo kids such as County Clare’s Sheamie, sport loving Stevie from Kilkenny, and Tipperary’s Sophie who raced to the studio in time for Patrick to surprise her with a magical trip to Disneyland.

Denise Charlton, Chief Executive, Community Foundation Ireland:

“The extraordinary generosity of Toy Show viewers will ensure the magic continues long after the Christmas decorations come down. Hundreds of thousands of children will have their lives transformed. There will be more essential supports including food, clothing, therapy as well as health and wellbeing services. In addition, play and creativity will become more accessible to all. The Foundation will work with leading child advocates and our partners in RTÉ to begin the process of distributing the Toy Show fund to every county. For now, our message to viewers is Thank You!”

‘RTÉ will be pleased to see media reports about them of money going in the right places as 2024 draws near’ notes TV Critic Vivian Summers.