Belfast Cathedral’s Black Santa Appeal supports charities across Northern Ireland

Belfast’s Black Santa was established by Dean Sammy Crooks in 1976, when, wearing a black Anglican cloak for warmth, the Dean stood outside St Anne’s Cathedral to collect money for charitable causes. Thus started a great Belfast tradition which has been maintained by successive Deans. Millions of pounds have been placed in Black Santa’s barrel and is distributed to local charities.

The current Dean, the Very Rev John Mann, will be outside the Cathedral every day in the week before Christmas. He would love to see you, but if you are unable to make it into Belfast, he welcomes online donations to Black Santa which can be made year -round here.

The total amount shown here includes both online and offline donations

“We remember that whatever is raised, little or great, it will benefit someone, somewhere, who would be the poorer but for this great St Anne’s and Belfast tradition” - Dean Mann.