Videos share the life-changing impact of Belfast Black Santa
As Dean Stephen Forde continues his Black Santa appeal on the steps of Belfast Cathedral, four short videos have been released to encourage support for this year’s initiative and show how money raised for Christian Aid Ireland last year is improving life for people in Northern Ireland, Kenya and Burundi. He had the opportunity to visit the latter two countries in September.
In the video below, Dean Forde talks about how Christian Aid Ireland has been a partner with Black Santa “from the very beginning” under Dean Sammy Crooks. Ten per cent of its proceeds are shared with Christian Aid each year towards its work across the world – in emergency relief, development work, and advocacy. Watch to hear about how beehives in Kenya make life better for the people who care for and make a business from them.
Dean Forde continues by sharing his impressions of Burundi, and its generous and welcoming people amid the many challenges that they face – including climate change, poverty, and the lack of property rights for widows and their children.
“It’s that sort of advocacy work in Burundi that really impressed me,” Dean Forde remarks. “People of passion bringing an amazing level of intelligence and resilience to really difficult situations and making a difference through the work that Christian Aid does.” View the video HERE.
A tailoring workshop set up by a Christian Aid Ireland partner, which he visited while in the country, splits its profits between growing the business and giving to the people whose skills are developed by the project. Find out more in this one-minute story HERE.
In Northern Ireland, this year’s appeal will focus on assisting local charities who help people living with motor neurone disease and multiple sclerosis, and children living with arthritis. As always, many smaller charities across the region will also benefit.
“For any family or any individual who is given this diagnosis, it is a devastating diagnosis,” he says of each condition. “Life will change for them and for their families.” However, these specialist charities can make a profound difference in the lives of those affected and Black Santa finishes on a positive note, speaking of his love for this annual role. Watch the video HERE.
How can I give to Black Santa?
This year, you can support the Black Santa Appeal in a number of ways:
By giving online, at the THIS LINK
By cheque to ‘Belfast Black Santa Appeal’ mailed to Belfast Black Santa Appeal, Belfast Cathedral, Donegall Street, Belfast, BT1 2HB.
By BACS direct transfer. Please contact the Cathedral office on 028 9032 8332 (during office hours) for BACS details.
By donating in person during the annual sit-out, which will finish on the afternoon of Christmas Eve (Wednesday 24 December).