Black Santa Appeal 2020 open for applications

Wednesday September 9th 2020

Belfast Cathedral’s Black Santa, Dean Stephen Forde.

Belfast’s Black Santa, Dean Stephen Forde, has announced that applications are now being accepted from charities seeking funding from the Black Santa Appeal 2020.

The Dean has confirmed that the 44th annual sit-out on the steps of St Anne’s Cathedral will go ahead in the week before Christmas despite the current pandemic, although it may look a little different.

“We will be on the steps of the Cathedral, but we are conscious that footfall will be lower so we a planning a greater virtual presence on the internet,” the Dean said.

Black Santa’s traditional wooden barrel and the more modern contactless card machine which will be used during the 2020 Charity Sit-out.

“We will receive donations online, and our contactless card machine will be available all week, so we will be making good use of technology.

“I anticipate having Black Santa’s traditional barrel with me on the steps and we will be taking necessary precautions to ensure everyone’s safety in handling donations.”

In light of the ongoing Covid-19 crisis, the Dean said that this year he would especially welcome applications from organisations supporting those who have faced the greatest impact of the Covid pandemic, including charities working in the areas of mental health, unemployment, care of the elderly, and the arts.

Application forms for the 2020 Black Santa Sit-out grants can be downloaded HERE.

Back to latest news

Site Directory