Black Santa 2025 raises £140,000

Monday January 12th 2026

Councillor Tracy Kelly, Lord Mayor of Belfast, joined Dean Stephen Forde on the steps for Belfast Cathedral at the start of the 2025 Black Santa Sit-out.

The 2025 Black Santa Sit-out at Belfast Cathedral has raised £140,000 which will be distributed to local charities next month.

In an interview with the News Letter, the Very Rev Stephen Forde, offered ‘a huge thank you’ to the thousands who contributed in this, the appeal’s 49^th year.

He told the newspaper that conditions in the 10 days before Christmas had been ‘difficult.’

“The weather wasn’t wonderful – we had to contend with rain and wind, which is sometimes more difficult than cold.”

Dean Forde said the annual donation level fluctuated, but the general trend has been upwards in the eight years since he’s been leading the appeal.

He concluded: “In a situation where many charities are finding it difficult to maintain the level of giving, it’s very pleasing that for the Black Santa appeal we were able to increase what we’ve brought in.”

The £140,000 will be split among about 100 different charities at the annual Good Samaritans Service.

Read the full News Letter interview HERE.