Learning Hub Limerick to shine thanks to Toy Show Magic

Learning Hub Limerick to shine thanks to Toy Show Magic

Learning Hub Limerick is one of over 170 organisations benefiting from the latest round of RTÉ Toy Show Appeal grants

Learning Hub Limerick is one of over 170 organisations benefiting from the latest round of RTÉ Toy Show Appeal grants, made possible through the generosity of viewers of the annual television spectacle.

The announcement of the grants on 23 June 2026 was made by Community Foundation Ireland, which works to transform donations from RTÉ Toy Show audiences into meaningful support and opportunities for children and families across Ireland.

Locally, Learning Hub Limerick has been awarded €39,000 to expand its STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education programmes, with a particular focus on engaging children and young people from underrepresented communities and ensuring greater access to high-quality learning opportunities.

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The RTÉ Toy Show Appeal was established in 2020 and is managed by Community Foundation Ireland in partnership with RTÉ. Inspired by the story of Toy Show star Saoirse Ruane, the Appeal aims to bring the magic of the Toy Show to children throughout the year by supporting projects that improve wellbeing, address essential needs, and encourage creativity, learning and play. Since its launch, the Appeal has raised millions of euro and supported hundreds of charities and community organisations, benefiting children and families in every county across Ireland.

Based in Kileely, Learning Hub Limerick works in partnership with parents, schools, statutory agencies and the wider community to provide a safe, welcoming and inspiring environment where young people can reach their full potential. The organisation supports more than 1,000 children, young people and family members each week through a wide range of educational, creative, health, environmental and technology-based programmes.

The new funding will strengthen Learning Hub Limerick’s long-standing commitment to STEM education, building on the success of its Science Hub and Digi Hub programmes, which have introduced thousands of children and young people to hands-on science, coding, engineering and digital technology activities. Through workshops, after-school programmes, school partnerships and community-based initiatives, participants will have opportunities to develop critical thinking, creativity, problem-solving and digital skills in a fun and engaging environment.

A key focus of the project will be ensuring that children and young people who may face barriers to participation can access STEM learning experiences that inspire curiosity, build confidence and broaden aspirations. By creating inclusive pathways into science and technology, Learning Hub Limerick aims to help ensure that the innovators, engineers, scientists and technology leaders of the future better reflect the diversity of the communities they serve.

The funding highlights the importance of providing equitable access to STEM education at an early age and supports Learning Hub Limerick’s mission of tackling educational disadvantage while promoting lifelong learning, creativity and opportunity for all young people.

Welcoming the grant, Ugis Danilevics Lynch STEM co-ordinator for Learning Hub Limerick said, “The RTÉ Toy Show Appeal is all about creating opportunities for children and young people to thrive, and that aligns perfectly with our mission at Learning Hub Limerick. This funding will allow us to expand access to STEM education for children from communities that are often underrepresented in these fields, helping them to discover new interests, build confidence and develop skills that will support them throughout their lives.

“We are incredibly grateful to everyone who supported the RTÉ Toy Show Appeal. Their generosity will help us create exciting and inclusive STEM learning experiences that inspire curiosity, spark ambition and open doors for young people across Limerick.”

Denise Charlton, Chief Executive of Community Foundation Ireland, added, “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.”

Locally, Narrative 4 is also receiving support of €11,000 through the Toy Show Appeal to deliver the Connect 4 Summer Programme—an initiative designed to empower young migrant girls through creative workshops, excursions, and a multi-day camp.

The GAFF has also announced that its new project for 2026, BloomChild, has been awarded €16,000 from the RTÉ Toy Show Appeal grants by Community Foundation Ireland.

Cliona’s Foundation, a Limerick charity that provides financial assistance to families with seriously sick children to help with non medical costs also announced they received €39,000 from the fund.