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 | | Monday, 24 December, 2001, 17:21 GMT Black Santa appeal reaches climax  Dean McKelvey is appealing to people to be generous Belfast's Black Santa has raised �220,000 during his five-day charity sit-out on the steps of St Anne's Cathedral. The new Church of Ireland Dean of Belfast Houston McKelvey finished his first of the annual sit-outs, started by his predecessors, on Christmas eve. He was appointed dean earlier this year. Dean McKelvey said he had been overwhelmed by the generosity of the public.
"I have to say I wasn't looking forward to standing out on one of Belfast's coldest streets, but the warmth of people has been wonderful," he said. "It has been a wonderful experience taking in money for the people who need it and it has been great fun. I would like to thank everyone who came along." The charity vigil, which has entered its 25th year has raised over �2m since it was started. The majority of money raised will go to 100 locally-based charities, while all money raised on the final day of the collection is sent to charities dealing with the Third World for the hungry and the homeless. Dean McKelvey's predecessor Dean Jack Shearer collected almost �400,000 last during his 15th year of fund raising. He passed away in January after retiring after a short illness. Church leaders from the main denominations have lent their support to the annual charity drive. | |
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