'Black Santa' presents cheques to charity this Sunday
Donations from the "Black Santa" Christmas Sitout will be presented to representatives of 180 charities and community groups in St. Anne's Cathedral, Belfast at a special “Good Samaritans’ Service’ this coming Sunday, Feb 6, at 3.30 pm.
The Dean of Belfast, Very Revd Dr. Houston McKelvey said “This service is perhaps the most representative gathering in the province of those who give voluntary service and raise funds for charities and community groups.
“At a time when state funding is under threat due to the economic situation, we hope we can convey to this particular congregation that their fellow citizens are concerned and are supportive of the contribution they make to our entire community”.
£220,000 is being given to the charities and community groups.
This year for the first time three “Spire of Hope Awards” will be represented to individuals and groups which were nominated for their particular efforts. These will be presented by Dame Mary Peters, HML for Belfast.
Dean McKelvey stressed that the Sitout is a “team cathedral” effort, involving Bishops, Canons, lay teams which prepare lodgements and prepare Gift Aid applications.
“This is one of my most favourite services even though the arrangements for it are greater than any other we organise. I am most indebted to my wife Roberta and Lyn Spence, a staff member, who for the past ten years have ensured that the presentations are well organised”
Members of the public are most welcome.