With nine days to go until Christmas, it’s that time in the year when I, as Dean of Belfast, search out the thermal layers and thick warm socks to take up my role of Belfast’s ‘Black Santa’.
Starting today (Monday, December 16), this will be my seventh year to stand on the steps of St Anne’s Cathedral as Black Santa, carrying on a 48-year tradition which was begun in 1976 by Dean Sammy Crooks.
As always, every pound received, whether donated in coins, cash or by card, will be given away again at the start of February to each of those charities which have applied to the 2024 appeal.
Last year’s appeal raised a spectacular £171,000. Can we raise £180,000 this year?
Preparations for this first day of the 2024 sit-out began many months ago. Ten charities, which received an award last year, were helped to make a short video about their amazing work, meeting needs across NI. The videos can be viewed on the dedicated Belfast Black Santa website at www.belfastblacksanta.org/charities.
We have also replenished our supply of special Black Santa beanie hats, which will on sale from the cathedral’s shop. And Black Santa has even had his portrait painted as one of the ‘characters’ of the Cathedral Quarter.
However, this year, in addition to the range of local charities which the Black Santa Appeal will support, I have focused on two particular areas of sometimes forgotten need.
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Any family who lives with a member with a diagnosis of autism knows how difficult and challenging everyday life can be. This group of families and young people, with the charities that support them, will be one focus for the 2024 appeal.
Another group of people who can often be out of sight are those people who have a lived experience of care, who at the age of 18 are deemed to become independent adults. However, over a third of these young people can find themselves homeless within two years of leaving the support of care.
Stopping homelessness at source is a challenge which this year’s Black Santa Appeal wants to embrace.
As Dean of Belfast, I love the challenge of Black Santa. And I love the knowledge that what people give makes a priceless difference to people with need across our province.
This year, online or in person, be as generous as you can. Thank you.