18.12.2024
2024 Black Santa Sit Out Underway in Dublin
The 2024 Black Santa Sit Out is now in full swing outside St Ann’s Church, Dawson Street. The annual appeal, which raises funds for local charities, was officially launched yesterday by Archbishop Michael Jackson and Deputy Lord Mayor of Dublin Cllr Donna Cooney along with the Vicar of St Ann’s, Canon Paul Arbuthnot.
The launch was joyfully accompanied by glorious festive cheer from the choir of Kildare Place School under the direction of principal Ian Packham who sang a host of festive songs and carols.
The sit out continues outside St Ann’s right up until Christmas Eve and numerous choirs will join the volunteer collectors to spread the Christmas spirit.
You can pop down to St Ann’s to donate – by cash or card – to the appeal and the volunteers would be delighted to see you. However, if you cannot get there in person you can donate online via the parish website www.stann.dublin.anglican.org. As always, every cent donated is given to charity – everyone involved volunteers their time free of charge.
The primary focus of Black Santa’s fundraising efforts is charities that support people in homelessness in the city. The charities being supported this year include St Vincent de Paul, Simon, The Samaritans, Salvation Army, Protestant Aid, Alice Leahy Trust, Laura Lynn Foundation, Focus Ireland and the Solas Project, along with other local charities.
Black Santa in Dublin is modelled on a similar appeal, which has been run by successive Deans of St Anne’s Cathedral in Belfast for many years. It became known as the Black Santa appeal because of the long heavy black cloaks worn by the clergy to keep out the cold. This is the 24th year that the Black Santa Sit Out has taken place in Dublin.
Last year, the Black Santa appeal raised €55,000. Over the past 24 years the Dublin sit out has raised over €850,000 with every cent donated going to the charities it supports.
