Charities receive share of £140,000 raised by Black Santa
Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly joined Dean Stephen Forde at the annual Good Samaritans Service in Belfast Cathedral on February 1, where 103 local charities gathered to celebrate the £140,000 raised by the 2025 Black Santa Appeal.
The money was collected by the Dean, supported by clergy and canons of the Cathedral, on the steps of St Anne’s in the 10 days before Christmas. This was the 49th year of the annual appeal, founded by Dean Sammy Crooks in 1976.
Welcoming the Deputy First Minister and her husband Richard, Dean Forde revealed that Mrs Little-Pengelly had spent time with Black Santa on Christmas Eve afternoon, encouraging passers-by to donate!
Each of the charities represented at the service received an award from the 2025 Black Santa Appeal, and each representative stood and received applause as the name of their organisation was read out.
“As all in the charity sector know, fundraising in a cost-of-living-crisis is challenging,” Dean Forde said.
“Coming up to Christmas, people were careful in their spending. And that is why I am so pleased that we managed to raise £140,000 over the 10 days before Christmas, money generously given by individuals, churches, organisations and businesses from across Northern Ireland.”
The Dean said that this year’s appeal had a special focus on charities which support people given a diagnosis of Motor Neurone Disease and charities working with those who live with MS. He paid tribute to Christian Aid Ireland, which every year receives a special donation from Black Santa - last September, he had the opportunity to see for himself how the Black Santa monies are put to use in Kenya and Burundi in Africa.
Describing the charity representatives as the ‘local heroes’ of communities across Northern Ireland, Dean Forde said: “Week by week, you will take what has been given by the people of Belfast and across our country, and you will use it in 2026 in local settings to care deeply, and to help in a myriad of practical ways to transform lives and families and difficult situations. So, for all you do, as Black Santa, let me say thank you.”
Addressing the congregation during the service, Mrs Little-Pengelly said it was ‘a genuine joy’ to be there. “It is an occasion that recognises the incredible work that all of you do, and so many do in helping others. It also recognises the extraordinary generosity of so many of the general public in giving to this appeal despite us knowing how difficult things are,” she said.
“You are truly making a meaningful difference in people’s lives. Thank you for all that you do, for the contribution you make, and for all of those lives that you have touched, that you have helped and you have supported.”
The Deputy First Minister said the Black Santa Appeal was ‘a wonderful initiative - an act of love and charity - and one that is a real demonstration of the love of Christ.’
She thanked Dean Forde and the team at Belfast Cathedral, and paid tribute to the charities present. “Thank you for your love and dedication. You make Northern Ireland a better place each and every day, and I’m so glad that this incredible campaign is supporting you in that work,” Mrs Little-Pengelly said.
The service featured music from the Arco String Quartet, and the organists were Darragh Magee and Finn Sloan. Peter Cardwell, Director at PwC financial services, who once again supported the Black Santa Appeal though online and technical assistance, read the ‘Parable of the Good Samaritan.’
Pictured above: Representatives of Annagh Social Farm Community Interest Company with the Dean of Belfast, the Very Rev Stephen Forde, and Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly.
