[Press Release] RTÉ Toy Show Grant Brings Barretstown Family Camp Back for 2027.
Muscular Dystrophy Ireland secures €24,000 to deliver life-changing accessible camp experience.
Muscular Dystrophy Ireland is one of over 170 organisations benefitting from the latest round of RTÉ Toy Show Grants which been made possible by the generosity of the annual television spectacle.
The announcement of grants (23rd June 2026) has been made by Community Foundation Ireland which works to turn donations by viewers into actions on the ground which benefit children and their families.
Muscular Dystrophy Ireland is receiving support of €24,000 to support the delivery of the MDI-Barretstown Family Camp in 2027, for children and families with muscular dystrophy and other rare neuromuscular conditions.
Snce 2024, Muscular Dystrophy Ireland has partnered with Barretstown to provide an accessible family camp experience. Thanks to this RTÉ Toy Show Grant, MDI will be able to hold the camp again in 2027, giving more families the opportunity to enjoy quality time together, build confidence and independence, and connect with others who understand their experiences.
The camps have enabled children to take part in activities they never thought possible, from horse riding to rock climbing. Post-camp feedback from families highlights increased confidence and improved emotional wellbeing in children, alongside stronger family relationships and a greater sense of belonging. The impact is clear, perhaps best captured by one parent who said: “We were all struggling and then Barretstown showed us how to again.”
Spokesperson Alan Breathnach, CEO of Muscular Dystrophy Ireland, in welcoming the grant said:
“We are very grateful to the RTÉ Toy Show Appeal and Community Foundation Ireland for this funding, and to the viewers whose generosity makes it possible. It allows us to deliver an experience that means so much to the families we support, giving them time away from daily challenges, in a place where they are supported, included and understood. We are proud to be in a position now to offer this experience in 2027.”
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.
ENDS
Contact: Alan Breathnach. Tel: 0866088667
Note to Editors
Founded in 2020, the RTÉ Toy Show Appeal has raised over €31 million for children’s charities to date. Each year it is estimated that the Appeal helps more than 1 million children and family members. The RTÉ Toy Show Appeal exists as a Donor Advised Fund with registered charity The Community Foundation for Ireland (Registered Charity Number: 20044886). Grant applications from the 2025 RTÉ Toy Show Appeal were independently assessed following an open application process which opened in early 2026.