Lord Mayor visits Black Santa as charity sit–out begins
Councillor Deirdre Hargey, Lord Mayor of Belfast, has been one of the first to visit Black Santa on the steps of Belfast Cathedral and make a donation to the charity sit–out.
The Dean of Belfast was joined by Bishop Harold on the first ‘shift’ and the Canons of the Cathedral, and the Bishop of Connor’s commissary, will also take their turn on the steps, each dressed in the distinctive black cloak.
This is Dean Stephen Forde’s first Christmas as Black Santa, and he continues the tradition established in 1976 by Dean Sammy Crooks who stood outside the Cathedral in the days before Christmas urging people to ‘give and let live’ to support the sick, hungry and poor.
Funds raised aid the vital work of more than 200 local charities who offer support and opportunities to those in need in our community.
The 42nd Sit–out continues until Christmas Eve, with the exception of December 23 when the Dean will be busy with the Cathedral services, including the popular Carols and Lessons for the City at 3.30 pm.
Dean Forde said this will be a Christmas which will challenge many in the city of Belfast, and urged anyone who can’t get to the Cathedral to make their donation, however small or large, by cheque or cash, by BACS or online at www.belfastcathedral.org.