The latest Black Santa Sit-Out Appeal at Belfast Cathedral has “exceeded expectations” by raising £200,000, with more than 100 charities now set to benefit.
The money will be distributed at the annual Good Samaritans Service this Sunday, February 2.
Dean Stephen Forde said he was “delighted” that the appeal had exceeded all his expectations.
He made special reference to “an immensely generous donation” of £73,600 received from the Belfast Charitable Society who marked the 250th anniversary of their home, Clifton House, on Christmas Eve.
Continuing a tradition established by Dean Sammy Crooks in 1976, the 2024 Black Santa Sit-Out began on the steps of St Anne’s Cathedral on December 16.
From then until darkness fell on Christmas Eve, Dean Forde and his helpers — the canons and clergy of the Cathedral — stood on the steps each day collecting money in Black Santa’s famous wooden barrel as well as taking contactless payments.
Many made a special trip to Donegall Street to support the appeal, and donations were received from businesses.
Dean Forde said: “Even in difficult financial times, I am amazed at the generosity of so many people.
“This allowed us to exceed our target for the year and, along with the significant donation from the Belfast Charitable Society, to raise the magnificent total of £200,000.
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“The Belfast Black Santa Appeal is a tradition which companies, organisations, churches and individuals take to their heart at Christmas time. Out of this generosity, thousands of people across Belfast and across the province will benefit through the work of those 104 local charities who have been awarded a grant from (the 2024) appeal.”
Belfast Charitable Society made the decision to support Black Santa for the first time as part of its 250th anniversary celebrations for its home, the former Poor House of Belfast, Clifton House — its donation of £73,600 adding a further 50% onto the fundraising total received from the public.
Professor Alastair Adair, Chair of Belfast Charitable Society said: “The familiar sight of Black Santa on the steps of St Anne’s Cathedral has become synonymous with the giving spirit and generosity of the people of Belfast. An ideal also close to the hearts of past and present members of Belfast Charitable Society.
“We are delighted to be able to make this significant donation of £73,600, bringing the total Black Santa fundraising total up to £200,000. As Ireland’s oldest extant charity, Belfast Charitable Society has been addressing disadvantage for over 270 years and sadly knows too well the need that still exists due to poverty today.”
Dean Forde has paid tribute to all those working behind the scenes to keep the annual appeal running smoothly, including the army of volunteers from Belfast Cathedral and from Black Santa’s partner organisation, PwC Financial Services, whose ‘immense hard work and generosity of time’ he said, ensured the success of this year’s appeal.
The special guest at the Good Samaritans Service, which gets underway at 3.30pm, will be former Olympic athlete Lady Mary Peters, and there will be music from singer Peter Corry.
News Catch Up: Tuesday 28th January