19.12.2022
New Vicar Continues Dublin’s Black Santa Tradition at St Ann’s
Dublin’s Black Santa Sit Out was officially launched at St Ann’s Church, Dawson Street, today (Monday December 19). The appeal has become part of the build up to Christmas in Dublin over the last 20 years and the Vicar, Canon Paul Arbuthnot, is enjoying his first sit out at the helm. He and his team of volunteers will remain outside St Ann’s until Christmas Eve.
Lord Mayor Caroline Conroy joined Canon Arbuthnot for the launch and for the first time since 2019, the choir of Kildare Place School, under the direction of principal Ian Packham, was on hand to provide festive music. The return of the choirs each day at lunchtime has been a huge boost to the appeal this year.
The Lord Mayor praised the efforts being made by the volunteers and was impressed by the commitment of the KPS children in supporting such worthy causes.
Commending the sit out Archbishop Michael Jackson has paid tribute all who work to ensure the success of the annual appeal.
“Everyone in the centre of Dublin knows that Christmas is close when Black Santa appears on Dawson Street just outside St Ann’s Church,” he said. “2022 is no exception. Those who gather will be joined by a range of choirs for the first time since the onset of Covid–19. Singers younger and older are very welcome and passers by are equally welcome to sing along.”He added: “The Black Santa Appeal has taken on challenge after challenge for over 20 years. This has been to support charities local to Dublin. The public is always very generous and I am sure 2022 will be no exception. Between now and Christmas Eve, tens of thousands of people will pause to enjoy the music and to think of those in terrible need in our city. For all of this we thank you most sincerely”.
Black Santa volunteers have been outside St Ann’s since last Thursday and Canon Arbuthnot has been delighted with the reception they have received so far. “We know that every year the charities supported by Black Santa really appreciate the donations. But this year with the cost of living crisis and homelessness to the fore for so many, we know these funds will be particularly welcome. We really appreciate people’s generosity and every cent they donate goes to the charities supported by Black Santa. Once again I want to thank the parishioners who help this appeal to run so smoothly for their support,” he stated.
He pointed out that while this is first season as Black Santa, he has a connection with the Black Santa Sit Out which has its origins at St Anne’s Cathedral in Belfast, where he was a chorister.
If you are in the city centre between now and Christmas Eve drop by to say hello. But if you can’t make it in to see the Vicar and Fred Deane in person, donations can be made online at https://stann.dublin.anglican.org/. There is a cashless donation facility outside the church also.
The charities being supported this year are the Salvation Army, the Simon Community, Alice Leahy Trust, Protestant Aid, St Vincent de Paul, the Samaritans and other local charities.
