Six Offaly groups experience 'Toy Show magic' with €133,000 grant funding

Six Offaly groups have experienced a bit of 'Toy Show magic', as a total of €133,000 in grant funding has been allocated locally as part of the RTÉ Toy Show Appeal grant programme.

RTÉ and Community Foundation Ireland have confirmed 173 grants from the appeal, which will transform lives of children right across the country in different, innovative ways.

All of this is possible due to the remarkable generosity of RTÉ viewers from last December’s Late Late Toy Show.

The Offaly groups to benefit include Dóchas Offaly Cancer Support Group, Tullamore Community & Family Resource Centre, Clara Community & Family Resource Centre Clg, Offaly Domestic Violence Support Service, Offaly Traveller Movement, and Rehab Group.

A sum of €39,000 has been given to Rehab Group PlayAbility’s Charleville Cottage project.

The project aims to build a safe, enclosed outdoor playground for up to 70 children and young adults with autism, giving them something many have never had: free access to outdoor play in an environment designed for them.

Offaly Traveller Movement has received €40,000 for an inclusive education project.

Offaly Domestic Violence Support Service has been granted €16,000 for its The Brave Box Project initiative.

The project provides trauma-informed comfort and resilience kits to children affected by domestic abuse, helping them feel safe, regulate emotions, and restore a sense of security and hope during times of crisis.

Clara Community & Family Resource Centre Clg has received €16,000 which will go towards building stronger futures for young people through youth work, therapy, and resilience training.

Tullamore Community & Family Resource Centre were given a sum of €11,000 which will be used in its Early-Intervention Therapy and Family Support Programme.

Finally, Dóchas Offaly Cancer Support Group received a total of €11,000 to benefit its services.

The funding will go towards sustaining evidence-based play, drama and creative arts therapy that supports the emotional wellbeing and resilience of children aged 4–17 affected by their own or a close family member’s cancer diagnosis.

Denise Charlton, Chief Executive of Community Foundation Ireland said: “Being entrusted to turn the €4.3 Million provided by generous RTÉ viewers into actions which deliver benefits for children across Ireland is both a huge honour and responsibility.

"The Foundation uses insights and knowledge from community partners across the country, best in class research and the insights of top child advocates to inform our decisions. The result is another year when children in every part of our country will benefit.

"On behalf of the Community Foundation I want to congratulate everyone who will benefit from the latest grants. We look forward to being updated on your work ahead as we all seek to improve the lives of children and their families. To the viewers who have made all of this possible, thank you.”