Black Santa Appeal open for applications and donations
Now in its 48th year, the 2024 Black Santa Appeal is open for applications and donations. The appeal has become a Belfast institution since first launched by Dean Sammy Crooks in December 1976.
Millions of pounds have been raised on the steps of St Anne's Cathedral, with every penny given away to support local and international charities, large and small.
Dean Stephen Forde says:
"For me, this will be my 7th year as “Black Santa”. I look forward to exceeding the amazing total which was achieved last year in 2023, when, through the generosity of so many people, £171,000 was raised. That sum was distributed at the Good Samaritans Service, held 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."
Charity focus
In 2024, the Black Santa Appeal will have a special focus on charities working for two groups of younger people who have particular need in our community.
The BBC Northern Ireland Spotlight programme “I am not OK”, aired last September, shone a light on the intense challenges faced by families living with the daily realities of a family member with autism. Yet support for those charities working to help these families has reduced significantly in recent years. Some of your donations to the 2024 Black Santa Appeal will be applied directly to charities working to help this particular group of children, teenagers and their families.
A second focus this year, will be to help 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. For those care experienced young people, this move happens as soon as they turn 18. From that significant birthday, they must live, work or study independently. These young people must find their own accommodation, and set up their lives, for example with bank accounts and internet connection, without the family support which others who turn 18 (or older) will be given. As a result up to 30% of those with a lived experience of care can find themselves homeless and on the streets within two years. The homelessness crisis in Belfast is something which we at Belfast Cathedral experience first hand.
You can make your donation in person to Black Santa or one of his helpers on the cathedral steps from Monday 16 December until Christmas Eve (9.30am to 4.30pm – excluding 22 December). Cash and card donations can be received.
To donate online visit the dedicated Black Santa website HERE.
To apply for an award, download an application form HERE.