Bishop Harold lends his support to ‘Black Santa’
Bishop Harold has joined the Dean of Belfast on the steps of St Anne’s Cathedral this week as the 2015 Black Santa Christmas sitout continues (right).
The Bishop of Down and Dromore and the Bishop of Connor traditionally lend their support to the Dean, along with Cathedral Clergy and members of the Cathedral Chapter including its Ecumenical Canons. Bishop Harold is pictured below with Canon Jerome Munyangaju (left) and two generous visitors to Belfast.
This Dean Mann’s 4th Black Santa sitout and the 38th since Dean Sammy Crooks began the tradition in 1976. Dean Crooks was recently honoured with a Blue Plaque at the West Front of the Cathedral.
All the money gathered is donated to local charities with a proportion given to Christian Aid. The range of charities includes medical research; those caring for children, youth and the elderly; the improvement of employment opportunities for young people and a host of small charities which cannot afford paid fund–raisers.
Most of the money donated is given by people who come to the Cathedral during the Sit out. Contributions are made by individuals, families, schools, offices and workplaces.
Donations may be made at any time of the year, by sending a cheque made payable to “Cathedral Sit out” to the Dean, at Belfast Cathedral, Donegall Street, Belfast BT1 2HB.
