Offaly charities receive funding from the Late Late Toy Show Appeal
The lives of children across Ireland will be improved in multiple ways through 147 RTÉ Toy Show Appeal grants announced today, and which were made possible by the generosity of viewers of last November’s Late Late Toy Show. The total money raised was almost €4million!
Two local Offaly charities, Offaly Domestic Violence Support Service (ODVSS) CLG and Tullamore Community & Family Resource Centre (FRC) have received funding from this appeal by Community Foundation Ireland. ODVSS have been awarded €10,000 and Tullamore Community FRC €5,000.
The grant for ODVSS will fund an Equine Therapy Programme for children who have witnessed or experienced domestic abuse. The benefits of equine therapy can include improving self-image, emotional regulation, building assertiveness, and impulse control. By making a personal connection with a non-judgemental animal, children gain empathy and independence while increasing self-awareness and confidence.
Anne Clarke, CEO of ODVSS said: “We are absolutely delighted that the Community Foundation has provided funding from the Late Late Show Toy Appeal for this project, we are constantly thinking outside the box to support children who have experienced trauma due to domestic abuse, this will make a great difference for children attending our service with the protective parent. The horse becomes a champion for them and helps them process their emotions.”
If you are experiencing domestic abuse and would like to talk to someone from the ODVSS team call 0579351886, text 0860419154 or through www.odvss.ie. You can also access information on ODVSS on all social media platforms.
Tullamore Community & Family Resource Centre aim to provide vital play therapy supports and interventions for 50 children to build self confidence and self esteem.
Announcing the grants Dee Forbes, outgoing Director-General of RTÉ, said: “Children’s voices have always been at the very core of The Late Late Toy Show. Thanks to the incredible generosity of our viewers, thousands of children are now being supported in so many different ways. To everyone who donated a huge thank you; this will help so many young lives in the year ahead and is a remarkable testimony to Ireland’s renowned generosity.”
Denise Charlton, Chief Executive of Community Foundation Ireland added: “The RTÉ Toy Show Appeal continues to make an enormous contribution to our mission of Equality for All in Thriving Communities. Over three-years with the distribution of €17.6 million in total viewers have impacted on young lives in every part of our country. Children’s lives are being transformed thanks to the generosity shown by family, friends and neighbours who respond during the Toy Show to ensure the magic continues all year."