Black Santa hands over money

BALLYMONEY’S Black Santa, Liam Beckett joined the Mayor, Cllr John Finlay in the Mayor’s Parlour to hand over the money, raised before Christmas during his annual sit out, to five local charities.
DEAR SANTA. Ballymoney's 'Black Santa' Liam Beckett (centre), pictured presenting a cheque to Alan and Tommy, who were accepting in on behalf of the Samaritains at Riada House on Wednesday night. Looking on are Mayor Cllr John Finlay and Ivor Wallace, who assists Liam during his sit-out.INBM7-14 011SC.DEAR SANTA. Ballymoney's 'Black Santa' Liam Beckett (centre), pictured presenting a cheque to Alan and Tommy, who were accepting in on behalf of the Samaritains at Riada House on Wednesday night. Looking on are Mayor Cllr John Finlay and Ivor Wallace, who assists Liam during his sit-out.INBM7-14 011SC.
DEAR SANTA. Ballymoney's 'Black Santa' Liam Beckett (centre), pictured presenting a cheque to Alan and Tommy, who were accepting in on behalf of the Samaritains at Riada House on Wednesday night. Looking on are Mayor Cllr John Finlay and Ivor Wallace, who assists Liam during his sit-out.INBM7-14 011SC.

During the sit out in High Street from December 16th until Christmas Eve over £5,000 was raised with the proceeds being shared equally between The Salvation Army, St Vincent de Paul, Drop Inn Ministries, the Samaritans and Can-Compass Advocacy. Local people were again very generous to Black Santa’s fundraising efforts with one pupil from Garryduff PS, Cain Gray, donating his savings.

Mayor, Cllr Finlay, speaking at the handover praised the people of the area for their generosity especially at Christmas when people have already many demands on their finances.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Speaking at the handover Liam paid tribute to the kindness of everyone who had donated and thanked Council staff for their help in counting the money each day of the sit-out.

Representatives from the 5 charities benefitting spoke in turn expressing their gratitude for the generous contributions which will help them support people in need in the local community.

Related topics: