Black Santa Appeal Receives Generous Funding from Power NI

Northern Ireland’s leading energy supplier, Power NI has donated £500 funding to the Annual Black Santa collection in Belfast.

The choir, Cappella Caeciliana, who helped present the funding were joined by a string quartet also funded by Power NI. The choir comprised of Northern Ireland’s most successful young musicians who are all at various stages of their music careers. The singers and players were conducted by Sheelagh Greer.

The socially distanced carol singing provided “hope” at a time when the charity and music sectors have been impacted by the restrictions of COVID.

Cappella Caeciliana, one of Northern Irelands leading chamber choirs which was founded 25 years ago by award winning singing trio: “The Priests”, performed a selection of carols at the Annual Black Santa Charity sit-out.

The ‘Black Santa’ tradition at Belfast Cathedral Quarter was formed more than 41 years ago by Dean Sammy Crooks. Local press has dubbed Dean Crooks as ‘Belfast’s Black Santa’.

All the money gathered is donated to local charities, with a portion given to Christian Aid. The range of charities include medical research, those caring for children, youth and the elderly, the improvement of employment opportunities for young people, and a host of charities which cannot afford paid fundraisers.

David Macartney, chairman of Cappella Caeciliana, stated:

“We are extremely grateful for the support from PowerNI and their generous funding of the string quartet and a £500 contribution to the Black Santa Appeal.

“The choir are delighted to support the Annual Black Santa sit-out in this difficult year. This event was the only occasion we have been able to sing together in 2020 and we are really glad our event was to help raise funds for the so many important local charities supported by the Black Santa appeal.”