‘RTL Spendenmarathon’ Raises €16,619,389
The 29th “RTL Spendenmarathon” telethon on Friday evening pushed the total amount of donations raised since the charity program first aired in 1996 to over €300 million. This year, RTL viewers donated more than €16.6 million for aid projects to help children in need and their families in Germany and other countries. Numerous celebrities also participated in the 24-hour TV format.
There were happy faces all around as the 29th “RTL Spendenmarathon” came to an end: A proud €16,619,389 had been raised during the longest charity broadcast on German television, which this year took place under the heading “Helfen macht happy” (Helping makes you happy). “This result is impressive proof that together, with passion and commitment, we can achieve remarkable feats, and that a great many people in Germany have a big, social heart. That makes me very happy,” said Stephan Schmitter, CEO of RTL Deutschland and Chairman of the Board of the ‘Stiftung RTL – Wir helfen Kindern e. V.’ foundation, following the broadcast on Friday evening. “I would like to thank the viewers and all the supporters for their solidarity. I promise that every cent donated will go where it is urgently needed – to the children in our aid projects.”
More than €300 million in donations since 1996
This year’s result brings the total amount raised since the first “RTL Spendenmarathon” in 1996 to €304,494,353. “I am overwhelmed by how many ‘happy helpers’ supported us this year with so much joy and commitment. A big thank you from the bottom of my heart as well,” said Wolfram Kons, Director of Charity at RTL Deutschland, who was supported by numerous celebrities in the ‘VIP call center’. “And now, we can let these feelings of happiness carry us into a very special new year, because in November 2025 we will celebrate the 30th RTL Spendenmarathon!”
‘24h Inclusion Challenge’ results in new world record
Despite subzero temperatures and sleet, a new world record was set at the “24-hour Inclusion Challenge” with patron Kristina Vogel and in cooperation with the German Disabled Sports Association: the participants covered more than 22,000 laps and more than 3,330 kilometers within the 24 hours of the extraordinary sports event. The 20 company teams set a new world record for the “longest team distance on a wheelchair parkour (24 hours, relay)” – as certified by the Rekord Institut für Deutschland (RID). A total of €633,381 was raised by the “24-hour Inclusion Challenge.” The funds will be used exclusively to support inclusion projects for children.
The “RTL Spendenmarathon” was once again implemented as a climate-neutral, green production. RTL Deutschland bears all the costs for personnel, travel and production that arise in connection with the charity program. This means that every donation is passed on to the selected children’s aid projects without any deductions. Thousands of projects have been supported, and countless children in Germany and around the world have received sustained and effective help over the years. The “Stiftung RTL – Wir helfen Kindern” has consistently been awarded the coveted DZI donation seal of approval since 2002.
