02/02/2026
Local charity receives large donation from Black Santa Christmas appeal
Sound Around Ards (Talking newspapers) were one of a number of local charities who were presented with a donation towards their work at a special "Good Samaritans Service" held in the Belfast Cathedral on Sunday.
In attendance at the service was Deputy First Minister Emma Little- Pengelly. She provided a ‘Reflection’ during the service, thanking all charities and community groups for their voluntary contribution to communities.
Mrs Pengelly had actually joined Black Santa during the afternoon of Christmas Eve 2025 so she shared her thoughts on how and why this Belfast tradition means so much to so many across our country.
The Secretary of Sound Around Ards, Alison Coyle said " this donation of a £1000 from the Black Santa Appeal is very much appreciated as it will cover our service cost for at least another year. We are so grateful to our 35 volunteers who continue to provide this service. We couldn't do it without them"
Sound Around Ards has been providing their vital service for 46 years.
They record the local news stories from the Chronicle and Spectator to cd each week and post it out free of charge to anyone who is sight impaired, is unable to read newspapers due to having had a stroke or just unable to concentrate long enough to read. They are also more than happy to send their cd out to people who are lonely or have dementia etc and they would just enjoy hearing a local voice reading for an hour each week.
To get on their circulation list please contact their secretary on 07977473080 or email them on soundaroundards@outlook.com. The only information they will need is a name, full postal address and a contact telephone number. They are awaiting your call!
