Bishop Harold joins the Black Santa
Bishop Harold joined the Black Santa charity collection on the steps of St Anne's Cathedral, Belfast on Thursday 16th December.
This is the last year that The Very Revd Houston McKelvey will man the barrel in his role as Dean of the Cathedral as he has announced that he will retire in 2011.
The commencement of the Sit Out attracts considerable attention in the local press, radio and television. The leaders of the four main Churches in Ireland, the Lord Mayor of Belfast and many other community leaders call at the Cathedral to greet the Dean...and to contribute!
All the money gathered is donated to local charities with a proportion given to Christian Aid. The range of charities includes medical research; those caring for children, youth and the elderly; the improvement of employment opportunities for young people and a host of small charities which cannot afford paid fund-raisers.
Most of the money donated is given by people who come to the Cathedral during the Sit out. Contributions are made by individuals, families, schools, offices and workplaces.
The Back Santas will be on the street in front of the cathedral until Christmas Eve from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm each day so PLEASE GIVE GENEROUSLY!
(Donations may be made at any time of the year, by sending a cheque made payable to "Cathedral Sit out" to the Dean, at Belfast Cathedral, Donegall Street, Belfast BT1 2HB).