On Monday morning, standing on the steps of St Anne’s Cathedral with my black cloak wrapped tight against a light rain, I knew that the Belfast Black Santa Sit-out for 2024 had begun in earnest.
From now until Christmas Eve, my focus will be to reach that target of £180,000.
On the first day of the sit-out I always feel both expectation and apprehension. I love the opportunity to meet so many people who come to make their annual gift to the Black Santa Appeal. But I also wonder: “Will we hit the target?”
Times are tough. People don’t have a lot of money to spare. And yet the generosity of people always astounds me.
As this is my seventh year for the sit-out, I know that the first day follows a certain pattern. Early in the morning there is a press call, and I find myself photographed from every angle.
Black Santa returns for its 48th year to raise money for charity
This year we have our brand new ‘tap machine’ which featured in many of the pictures. This allows people to donate to the Black Santa Appeal with a simple tap of their card.
Many people no longer carry cash, so this will be an essential way for people to make their donations. Some will tap with their phone and some will use their watch. Black Santa has definitely entered the digital age.
It is always a pleasure to welcome the Mayor of Belfast to the first day of the sit-out. This year Councillor Micky Murray made a donation and spent time with the Black Santa team.
And then there are the opportunities for television and newspaper interviews. It is no longer necessary for an interviewer to set up their camera. Everything can be done on a smart phone. And I am given time to explain the impact the Black Santa Awards can have for charities working in communities from Fermanagh and South Armagh, to Randalstown and the city of Belfast. Among these are charities working to prevent suicide, or working to support those who have been trafficked to Northern Ireland and who have escaped from modern slavery.
The need across the charitable sector is almost without limit. But I know that across the next nine days, through the generosity of the people of Belfast and beyond, much will be given in the spirit of Christmas, so that much more can be done across our communities in 2025.
The Very Reverend Stephen Forde, Dean of Belfast