Black Santa Sit-Out 2024 is taking place on the steps of Belfast Cathedral in the run-up to Christmas with the 48th charity sit-out got underway at 10am on Monday December 16, 2024.
This a seventh sit-out for the Dean of Belfast, the Very Rev Stephen Forde, who has been pulling out the woolly socks and winter scarfs in preparation for all that the elements may throw at him in the days up to Christmas Eve.
The Black Santa Appeal was established by Dean Sammy Crooks in December 1976 – its name coined by the media on account of the warm black Anglican cloak worn by the Dean and his successors.
Some things have changed little over the years. The Dean will stand on the steps of St Anne’s morning and afternoon every day between December 16 and late on Christmas Eve, with the exception of Sunday December 22 when he will be busy with the wonderful Carols in the City afternoon service – a firm Christmas favourite with the people of Belfast and beyond.
But with advances in technology, some things have changed. The famous Black Santa wooden barrel will be open for passers-by to drop in donations – often collected over the preceding year – or even just loose change, but with an increasingly cashless society, you can also make a donation with a simple tap of a card or phone on Black Santa’s brand-new machine!
For those who cannot make it to Donegall Street, there is also the opportunity to donate online at https://www.belfastblacksanta.org/
Black Santa has the support of a band of ‘little helpers’ in the form of the Bishops, Canons and clergy of the Cathedral – in fact, some of these Black Santa doubles may be seen ‘sitting-out’ on occasions at the Exchange Street entrance to the Cathedral this year!
Since the first Black Santa Sit-out in 1976, millions of pounds have been raised on the steps of St Anne’s, with every penny given away again to support local and international charities, large and small.
Launching the 2024 appeal, Dean Forde said: “This will be my seventh year as ‘Black Santa.’ I look forward to exceeding the amazing total which was achieved last year when, through the generosity of so many people, £171,000 was distributed at the Good Samaritans Service last February to some 120 different charities.
“This year, in 2024, the need from local charities is greater than ever. I hope that through your generosity and by our continued partnership with professional services firm PwC, we will be able to raise even more than we did last year.”
The 2024 Black Santa Appeal will have a special focus on charities working for two groups of younger people who have particular needs in the community.
Firstly, it will help charities who support families who have a member with autism. A second focus will be those charities working to prevent young people, and in particular young people with a lived experience of care, from finding themselves homeless as they move to independent living. The appeal will also provide funds to small charities across Northern Ireland and to support Christian Aid as is has done since the beginning.
For further details on the impact of the Black Santa Appeal, 10 short videos have been prepared from a selection of the charities supported last year. These can be viewed at www.belfastblacksanta.org/charities.
Looking forward to the days on the steps of St Anne’s, Dean Forde said: “Once again, the people of Belfast and beyond have the opportunity to show how much they care for so many who face real challenges this coming Christmas.
“As I get wrapped up against the weather in Donegall Street, I hope, together, we can exceed last years’ total and make a lasting difference through each of the local charities we will support this year.”
