Last Black Santa sit-out for Ukrainian refugees taking place today

By Q Radio News

The Dean of Belfast, Stephen Forde, will stage the last of six special Black Santa sit-outs in support of Ukraine and its most vulnerable at this time.

The annual Black Santa charity sit-out on the steps of Belfast Cathedral has been a Christmas fixture for almost half a century, raising vital funds for charity, including during the darkest days of the Troubles.

However, just over two months after finishing his annual Christmas sit-out, the Dean set up a special appeal to run throughout Lent to help Ukrainian refugees.

The Dean of Belfast, Stephen Forde, will stage the last of six special Black Santa sit-outs in support of Ukraine and its most vulnerable at this time.https://t.co/4rTic1HKFM

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) April 13, 2022

It has consisted of the Dean 'sitting out' and collecting donations every Wednesday from the second week of March from 12pm - 3pm for six weeks. 

To date, his Lent sit-outs have raised £55,300, which will be presented in cheques to Habitat for Humanity and Christian Aid, who are working in partnership with the Appeal.

Donations can also be made online on the dedicated Black Santa website: https://www.belfastblacksanta.org.

The event today will take place on the steps of Belfast Cathedral at 12.15pm and end at 3pm.