Editorial: The Black Santa vigil is a festive reminder of the generous spirit of our people

​​The annual Black Santa sit out is not only now a fixture of the Christmas period in Northern Ireland, but a reminder of the generosity of spirit of our people.

As reported in today’s News Letter, the Dean of Belfast will begin the annual sit out at St Anne’s Cathedral to raise money for over 100 local charities.

The tradition began in 1976, when Dean Sammy Crooks took up the vigil, and was quickly dubbed the Black Santa by the press. Now, in its 45th year, the Very Reverend Stephen Forde will once again take his place on the steps of the Cathedral.

The charity effort will be reliant on the goodwill of the Northern Irish public, who have time and again put their hands in their pockets to support all the good causes which stand to benefit.

Northern Ireland is recognised as one of the most generous parts of the United Kingdom when it comes to charity donations – with Belfast one of the most giving cities.

Northern Ireland is the most generous home nation – with people here donating an average of £78 per month, according to the Charities Aid Foundation’s UK Local Giving report.

The traditional sit out at St Anne’s Cathedral captures the headlines every year, but there are many important campaigns run every Christmas – where volunteers embrace the true Christian values of the season by showing love for their neighbours.

In cities, towns and villages across the province people will come together this Christmas to give their own time and money to support those who are struggling this year.

And while it may get more attention at Christmas, it happens all year round. We often make the headlines across the country for the wrong reasons, but these selfless and generous acts demonstrate the true character of our people.