Fermanagh clergy’s ‘Black Santa’ sit-outs raise thousands for charity

While donations are still pouring in, more than £20,000 has been raised in total by their efforts.

The Black Santa tradition at Belfast Cathedral was started in 1976 by Dean Sammy Crooks. He was dubbed ‘Black Santa’ by the media because he wore a black Anglican clerical cloak to protect him from the elements, and many of those sitting out in Fermanagh last week donned their own black cloak.

On Wednesday, December 20 at 6.30am at Lisbellaw Parish Church, the Rev. William Jeffrey was already sitting at the door with collection buckets to hand as he began a 12-hour Black Santa sit-out to support Fermanagh Women's Aid and parish funds.

Sustained by donations of hot meals and drinks, Rev. William welcomed everyone who met him, offering them the peace and quiet of the church if they needed it.

By lunchtime, there had been a steady stream of people representing both his own parish and those of other denominations. A total has not yet been announced for his sit-out, but will follow in the coming weeks.

Rev. William Jeffrey.

Over in Ballinamallard, slightly later at 8am, Rev. Alison Irvine – who is temporarily taking services during the vacancy at Magheracross Parish Church – joined her Ballinamallard Methodist Church colleague, Rev. John Beacom, by continuing the charity sit-out started by former rector, Rev. Brian Harper.

The 12-hour sit-out raised funds for SWELL (Supported We Live Life) cancer support charity, and the Mallard Community Hub opening in early 2024.

At the time of going to print, £4,900 had been raised from the Ballinamallard sit-out.

Shirley Johnston with Rev. John Beacom, Minister of Ballinamallard Methodist Church, and Rev. Alison Irvine, Magheracross Parish Church.

On Thursday, December 21, Dean Kenneth Hall led his 12-hour sit-out at St. Macartin's Cathedral, Enniskillen to raise funds for Bishops' Appeal, Air Ambulance and Cathedral Outreach Programmes.

He braved the rough weather from Storm Pia as it passed through Fermanagh, but was joined throughout the day by parishioners and wellwishers.

The day’s rain may have dampened bank notes, which at one point were drying on an Aga cooker, but did not dampen spirits.

The Dean was joined by members of the Select Vestry, Air Ambulance NI volunteers, as well as members of the choir throughout the day.

His verger, Andrew McCabe, stood by his side all day. At the time of going to print, £15,722 had been raised, with donations still coming in.

Dean Kenneth Hall and Bishop Ian Ellis with Gladys Fisher, an Air Ambulance NI volunteer, and Colin Greaves.

On Friday, December 22, Rev. Johnny McLoughlin, Rector of Aghavea Parish Church, did his charity sit-out in Brookeborough village, raising money for Air Ambulance and Brain Tumour Research.

At the time of going to print, £1,400 had been raised from his sit-out, with donations still coming in.

Rev. Johnny McLoughlin with Joe Gilleece.