Saturday, December 18, 2010

Belfast's ‘Black Santa’ braves cold for a final sit-out

As the cold weather closes in again, Belfast's famous ‘Black Santa’ began his “toughest” — and last — charity sit-out at St Anne's Cathedal. 

The Dean of Belfast, who retires next April, has raised huge sums for charity during his 10 years in office. 

Dr Houston McKelvey said: “This one is probably going to be the toughest sit-out yet — tough economically and tough weather-wise, with snow and northerly winds forecast.” 

Dr McKelvey and his assistants will be on the street as usual each day until Christmas Eve, from 9.30am until 5pm — apart from next Sunday when they will present Carols for the City at 3.30pm. 

He said that the success of the collection depended on the “tremendous generosity of the people, schools and businesses in our community”.

“I would like to thank sincerely those who have already responded to our postal appeal,” he said. 

SIC: BT/UK