Thanks to all who have given so generously... and there’s still time
FOR many people Christmas Eve starts with a list of things to do before the day is finished and Christmas Day arrives.
For some there will be queues to collect a turkey or buy the Brussels sprouts. For others (is that the male of the species?) there will be a final burst of Christmas shopping, perhaps even with a last-minute discount (but make sure to take the Discount Sale sticker off before you wrap that present).
Others will be travelling to catch the
The Very Rev Stephen Forde, Dean of Belfast
last plane, train, ferry or bus to get home in time for a family Christmas.
For Black Santa and his helpers, Christmas Eve is the final day of collecting for this year’s appeal. Over the past few days — and with many people already on holiday — giving has been brisk. Some have brought jars of coins collected over the past months.
Our contactless giving has also been a real hit. Even young children have their own bank cards and don’t hesitate to be generous.
Business people have pulled up and made over donations from their places of work. Pensioners and tourists have made a point of finding Black Santa and asking about the 200 charities that will be supported.
Black Santa even featured on Songs Of Praise! And the total raised so far over the past eight days? It appears to be in excess of £145,000 — which leaves just £15,000 to raise today to reach the target we are hoping for.
To everyone who has given so generously, thank you on behalf of every charity that your giving will support.
To those who haven’t yet called with Black
Santa, there are a few hours yet to go.
And to all who will attend carol services and Christmas services — whether at St Anne’s Cathedral or in places of worship across the land — may you find the peace of the Christ Child to fill your Christmas and the hope of Jesus to carry you for the year ahead.
And may Red Santa bring joy and wonder to all those who will close their eyes for one final sleep tonight, counting down to Christmas.