24.12.2019
Dublin’s Black Santa Set For Record Breaking Year
2019 is set to be a record breaking year for Dublin’s Black Santa Appeal. This morning – Christmas Eve – the total funds raised hit €40,000. And Black Santa and his volunteer team will continue to collect outside St Ann’s Church on Dawson Street until this evening.
The Vicar, Canon David Gillespie, along with Fred Deane have been outside the city centre church in all weathers since the launch of the appeal last Tuesday (December 17). They have been joined each day by numerous choirs who have been filling the street with festive cheer. An organised group of parishioners have supported the appeal by catering for the visiting choirs.
“This is going to be our best total ever,” Canon Gillespie commented. “We very much appreciate people’s generosity and thank you to all who have donated.”
Now in its 19th year in Dublin, Black Santa has become a firm Christmas tradition. Named for the heavy clerical cloaks they wear to protect against the elements, Canon Gillespie and Fred collect funds for local charities outside the church each year. Every cent donated is divided among the charities.
Among the charities that will benefit this year are Barnardos, St Vincent de Paul, Simon, the Salvation Army, Protestant Aid, the Laura Lynn Foundation and Solas Project.
If you are in the city centre today doing last minute shopping or just soaking up the atmosphere, be sure to drop by to St Ann’s to support the appeal.