18.12.2023
Black Santa 2023 Sit Out Underway in Dublin
You can donate in person with cash or card or online.
Dublin’s 2023 Black Santa Appeal is now in full swing outside St Ann’s Church, Dawson Street. The annual pre–Christmas sit out was officially launched today (Monday December 18) by Archbishop Michael Jackson and the Deputy Lord Mayor of Dublin, Cllr Clare O’Connor. It will continue every day until next Saturday, December 23, and choirs will join the Vicar, Canon Paul Arbuthnot, each lunchtime to spread festive cheer in the city centre.
The children of the Kildare Place School choir have become a tradition at the launch. Today, under the baton of school principal, Ian Packham, the children were in fine voice and their merry singing drew a crowd of cheerful on–lookers.
The primary focus of Black Santa’s fundraising efforts is on charities that support people in homelessness in the city.
The Vicar of St Ann’s, Canon Paul Arbuthnot, who heads up the team of volunteers who collect outside St Ann’s Church, urged people to give generously. “This year’s Black Santa appeal will support local charities which address the profound sadness of homelessness in our capital city. We’ll be collecting for our charities until Saturday 23rd December outside St Ann’s, Dawson Street. If you’re passing by, please give generously, as your money will go directly to the charities which we are supporting,” he said.
He added: “The people of Dublin are always very generous and kind in their response to our appeal – we look forward to participating in that kindness once again, and helping to make a real difference for those who struggle at this time of year.”
The charities being supported this year include the Salvation Army, the Simon Community, Alice Leahy Trust, Protestant Aid, St Vincent de Paul, the Samaritans and other local charities. A contribution will also be made to Dublin and Glendalough’s Shine a Light for the Diocese of Jerusalem Appeal.
You can donate via the parish website www.stann.dublin.anglican.org or in person at the church with cash or card. As always, every cent donated is given to charity – everyone involved volunteers their time free of charge.
The Black Santa team has been collecting outside St Ann’s since Friday and Canon Arbuthnot reports that the appeal is off to a strong start.
