Black Santa goes digital
Belfast’s Black Santa, Dean Stephen Forde, is today preparing for Sit-Out unlike any other in the 44-year history of the charity fundraiser.
Each December for the past four decades, visiting the steps of St Anne’s Cathedral has become a tradition for many people, as they come to see Belfast’s
Black Santa and donate money to hundreds of charities across Northern Ireland.
However this year will be different, with many people staying at home because of the Covid-19 restrictions.
Instead of only relying on visitors to the cathedral, the Black Santa team is now hoping to encourage people to visit a new website where they can safely donate online.
The iconic vigil of the Black Santa on the steps will still go ahead, with Dean Stephen Forde saying this is his favourite time of the year.
“I am certain that people will rally to support others by donating to the Black Santa Sit-out.
“After everything we’ve been through, we’re all feeling the need to come together in whatever way we can.
“The Sit-Out has always been a wonderful way of doing this, and I’m delighted that this year we’re modernising it so that not only can we still be part of this together, but we can also ensure that those who depend on the donations from the fund will still be able to make a difference in the lives of so many others.”
The digital campaign has been developed by PwC NI as part of its work in the community, with a team of 40 volunteers building the new website.
PwC brought in award-winning Belfast artist James Ashe and social enterprise charity the Orchardville Society to create limited edition merchandise.
Woollen beanie hats can be ordered on the website, and there’ll also be giveaway competitions on the cathedral’s social media platforms over the month of December. All profits from the sales go to the Sit-Out fund.
Almost 200 charities across Northern Ireland receive money from the fund, including Assistance Dogs NI.
This charity has trained the first courtroom assistance dog in Europe, called Connie, and she’s used by the NSPCC to help children attending court hearings. Each dog costs £5,000 to be fully trained.
*To make a donation visit the Black Santa website at www.belfastblacksanta.org