More than 100 charities across Northern Ireland are set to benefit from £200,000 raised in the annual Black Santa sit-out.
Dean Stephen Forde said he was “delighted” by the money raised and it had exceeded all his expectations.
Continuing a tradition established by Dean Sammy Crooks in 1976, the 2024 Black Santa Sit-out began on the steps of St Anne’s Cathedral on December 16.
From then until Christmas Eve, Dean Forde and his helpers - canons and clergy of the Cathedral - stood on the steps each day, collecting money in Black Santa’s famous wooden barrel as well as taking contactless payments.
Generous donations were also received from businesses and individuals with Dean Forde highlighting “an immensely generous donation” of £73,600 from the Belfast Charitable Society, as part of its 250th anniversary celebrations of Clifton House.
All the money will be distributed to 104 charities at the annual Good Samaritans Service at Belfast Cathedral on Sunday.
“Even in difficult financial times, I am amazed at the generosity of so many people,” said Dean Forde.
“This allowed us to exceed our target for the year and, along with the significant donation from the Belfast Charitable Society, to raise the magnificent total of £200,000.
“The Belfast Black Santa Appeal is a tradition which companies, organisations, churches and individuals take to their heart at Christmas time.
“Out of this generosity, thousands of people across Belfast and across the province will benefit through the work of those 104 local charities who have been awarded a grant from this year’s appeal.”
Professor Alastair Adair, chair of Belfast Charitable Society, said: “The familiar sight of Black Santa on the steps of St Anne’s Cathedral has become synonymous with the giving spirit and generosity of the people of Belfast.
“An ideal also close to the hearts of past and present members of Belfast Charitable Society.
“The decision to support Black Santa’s remarkable fundraising initiative was made as part of our 250th anniversary celebrations of Clifton House.
“We are delighted to be able to make this significant donation of £73,600, bringing the total Black Santa fundraising total up to £200,000.
“As Ireland’s oldest extant charity, Belfast Charitable Society has been addressing disadvantage for over 270 years and sadly knows too well the need that still exists due to poverty today.
“The impact this fundraising will have on those reliant on the charitable organisations receiving this funding will be significant, and in some cases life changing.”
