Black Santa grants focus on homelessness and mental health
Two hundred and twenty local charities, including those working with the homeless and with people with mental health issues, will receive grants from Belfast Cathedral’s Black Santa Appeal at a special service on Sunday February 3.
The Sit–out by Dean Stephen Forde, the Bishop of Down and Dromore and Canons of the Cathedral in the week before Christmas 2018 raised £168,000. Special guest Lynda Bryans, journalism lecturer and former broadcaster, will hand over the cheques at Sunday’s Good Samaritans Service.
The Sit–out was founded in 1976 by Dean Sammy Crooks, dubbed Black Santa by the local media because of his black Anglican cloak, and the tradition is continued every year by the Dean of the Cathedral.
Charities to benefit from the money donated all do vital work in the community, supporting children, people with disabilities, the elderly, and families who are socially disadvantaged. A portion goes to Christian Aid to help people in need overseas.