25th June 2024
This significant contribution will play a crucial role in advancing our mission to support children with autism and their families across Ireland.
RTÉ Toy Show Appeal: A Beacon of Hope
The RTÉ Toy Show Appeal, driven by the heartfelt contributions of Late Late Toy Show viewers, has been a monumental force for good. In 2023 alone, the appeal raised over €3.6 million, bringing the cumulative total to an astounding €21 million since its inception in 2020. This remarkable outpouring of generosity is a testament to the compassionate spirit of the viewers and their unwavering commitment to enhancing the lives of children across Ireland.
Transforming Lives with the Family Support Programme
The awarded grant will be instrumental in funding the continuation of our Family Support Programme. This initiative, set to run for an additional 12 months, aims to place 28 assistance dogs with 28 families throughout Ireland. Each placement is meticulously managed to ensure a successful and enduring partnership between the assistance dog and the family.
The Family Support Programme is comprehensive, encompassing several critical stages:
- Application Process: Opening doors for families to apply for an assistance dog.
- Assessments: Thorough evaluations to match the right dog with the right family.
- Matching: Ensuring compatibility between the child and the assistance dog.
- Workshop Training: Providing essential training for both the dog and the family.
- Aftercare Visits: Offering ongoing support to monitor and enhance the partnership.
- Peer-to-Peer Support: Fostering a supportive community among families.
By adopting a holistic approach to client aftercare, we strive to maximise the positive impact on the wellbeing and quality of life for each child and their family. The ongoing support and follow-up services are designed to address various needs, ensuring that the benefits of having an assistance dog are fully realised and sustained.
About the RTÉ Toy Show Appeal
The RTÉ Toy Show Appeal, inspired by the joy and magic of the Late Late Toy Show, aims to bring that same enchantment to every child in Ireland. By funding essential services that support health, wellbeing, play, and creativity, the appeal seeks to make a lasting difference in children’s lives.
The donations are managed by Community Foundation Ireland, a registered charity dedicated to driving positive change. Their collaboration with the RTÉ Toy Show Appeal ensures that funds are distributed effectively to children’s charities across the island of Ireland. For more information about their work, please visit their website here: https://www.communityfoundation.ie.
The RTÉ Toy Show Appeal, in association with Community Foundation Ireland (Charity No: CHY 13967), continues to be a beacon of hope and generosity, significantly enhancing the lives of children and families through meaningful support.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the RTÉ Toy Show Appeal and Community Foundation Ireland for their continued support. Together, we are changing lives for the better, one assistance dog at a time.