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9th December 2024

A Starry Night for AADI at the Late Late Toy Show

On Friday, December 6th, AADI proudly shone on one of Ireland’s most cherished stages—the Late Late Toy Show. Represented by our delightful puppy-in-training, Star, the evening was a heartwarming celebration of community, generosity, and the transformative impact of assistance dogs.


Star charmed everyone she met, including host Patrick Kielty and the many participants of this annual cultural institution. AADI’s presence at the Toy Show was made even more special as we were one of the fortunate charity beneficiaries of last year’s Toy Show Appeal, administered by Community Foundation Ireland.

A Generous Grant to Transform Lives


Earlier this year, AADI was awarded a €40,000 grant from the RTÉ Toy Show Appeal 2023. This generous funding is actively supporting our mission to provide life-changing assistance dogs to children with autism and their families across Ireland.

The Impact of the RTÉ Toy Show Appeal


The RTÉ Toy Show Appeal, a beacon of hope and goodwill, raised over €3.6 million in 2023 alone, adding to a staggering total of €21 million since 2020. Thanks to the generosity of Late Late Toy Show viewers, this funding is transforming the lives of children nationwide by supporting essential services that promote health, wellbeing, and creativity.

Advancing Our Family Support Programme


The €40,000 grant is currently enabling us to expand and continue AADI’s Family Support Programme into 2024. This programme is making it possible for us to place 28 assistance dogs with 28 families across Ireland, creating meaningful change in the lives of children with autism.

About the RTÉ Toy Show Appeal

The RTÉ Toy Show Appeal is inspired by the joy and magic of the Late Late Toy Show, channeling that spirit into initiatives that enrich the lives of children across Ireland. Managed by Community Foundation Ireland, this annual appeal ensures that donations are distributed effectively to children’s charities, driving meaningful change where it is most needed.

About the RTÉ Toy Show Appeal


AADI extends its heartfelt gratitude to the RTÉ Toy Show Appeal and Community Foundation Ireland for their ongoing support. With their help, we are actively changing lives for the better—one assistance dog at a time.
Together, we are building a brighter future for children with autism and their families.

For more information about Community Foundation Ireland, visit their website.

The ‘Star’ of the Toy Show, getting to grips with her Certificate of Participation!