News

As the days shorten and Christmas draws nearer, the Dean of Belfast, gears up for the annual Black Santa Sit-out on the steps of Belfast Cathedral, to raise as much as possible for the Black Santa Appeal.

This year Dean Stephen Forde will begin the Cathedral Sitout on Monday 13th December, and with his helpers, he will maintain the Sit-out presence each day until 4pm on Christmas Eve, Friday 24th.

With partners PwC, the dedicated Black Santa Website features interviews with 10 of the local charities who received funding from last year's Appeal. Each year some 200 local charities are supported from the funds raised by Black Santa in the days before Christmas. And this year, Dean Stephen has a special emphasis on supporting those charities who are working with Refugees, supporting people of incredible resilience, and often wide experience who find themselves making a new life in our community. Charities working with people who live with disability are also featured.

You can click on the special Black Santa website below:

http://www.belfastblacksanta.org

But even before the Sit-out begins, Dean Stephen and the cathedral office team have been busy. More than 200 applications have been received and processed, ready for the distribution of Funds at the Good Samaritan Service, scheduled for 6th February, 2022. Invitations have been sent to Bishop David McClay (Down and Dromore) and Bishop George Davison (Connor) to join the Dean on the first days of the Sit-out. We also look forward to welcoming the Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Kate Nicholl who will be present for the launch of this year's Black Santa Appeal.

Also in partnership with the Dean of Belfast is the radio station, Belfast 89fm. The local broadcaster will feature an advertisement for Black Santa, which you can also listen to by clicking the link at the foot of this page.

Other radio interviews can be heard nearer to Christmas on Cool FM, with a special Black Santa broadcast on BBC Radio Ulster.

But the Black Santa Appeal is nothing without the generous support of the people of Belfast and far beyond. Last year we raised an amazing £220,000. In the most challenging of times, and under the renewed threat Covid,  it will a huge challenge to match last year's figure which included a very generous bequest. But every 10p piece and £10 note placed in the Black Santa Barrel will help us towards this year's total.

And technology will play its part. If you no longer carry cash, then make a card donation on the steps of the cathedral, make an online donation at the Black Santa website or contact the cathedral during office hours  to make a card donation by phoning 028 9032 8332.

Whatever you give this year will make a world of difference to each person in need who receives the support of the 2021 BLACK SANTA APPEAL.

THANK YOU!