NEARLY twenty restaurants across Manchester (listed below) have signed up to help raise money for the homeless this Christmas through the StreetSmart charity campaign.
But the charity wants bars and restaurants across the region to know that it's not too late to get involved.
“We are entering a season of indulgence and fun and I wholeheartedly approve of that. But we are also living in a time of food banks and of the poor, disenfranchised and vulnerable people living more precariously than ever."
StreetSmart works by participating restaurants adding £1 to all customer bills throughout November and December. It’s a voluntary contribution and the amount is the same no matter how big the party.
With hundreds of restaurants doing this nationally this small gift adds up to a serious impact on the lives of the UK’s homeless population. The 2013 campaign saw £610,000 raised nationally, with Manchester restaurants generating £25,000.
Although the figure is impressive, campaign organisers would like to see Manchester restaurants get more solidly behind StreetSmart in 2014, especially as the city's dining scene continues to grow in strength.
Participating restaurants for 2014:
4244, Artisan, Beef & Pudding, Damson (Heaton Moor and MediaCityUK), The Dockyard, Eagle & Child, Hearth of the Ram, Fig & Sparrow, Kro (Piccadilly and Heaton Moor), Salvi's Cucina, Second Floor Restaurant, Smoak, Splendid Sausage, The Parlour, The Red Lion, Volta.
Artisan, Spinningfields - part of the StreetSmart campaign
A major point of difference for the StreetSmart campaign is that 100% of the funds raised by each participating city are directed straight back into local homeless projects and charities.
One organisation that receives regular annual support from StreetSmart is The Booth Centre near to the Manchester Phones4U Arena.
The Booth Centre is a nationally recognised day centre that offers activities, advice and support to homeless people in Manchester. They provide education, training and advice to enable people to find new homes, improve their health, increase their skills and confidence and to successfully resettle in the community.
Amanda Croome from the organisation says StreetSmart is one of their most vital partnerships:
”Now that we have our brand new centre, we’re able to do so much more for the local homeless people of Manchester. StreetSmart’s contribution is vital to those lifechanging services that we now provide more effectively than ever.”
Last year, StreetSmart also supported organisations across Greater Manchester including Church Housing Trust, Acting on Impulse, Mustard Tree and Contact.
BB6 Music presenter and StreetSmart ambassador, Stuart Maconie, said:
“We are entering a season of indulgence and fun and I wholeheartedly approve of that. But we are also living in a time of food banks and of the poor, disenfranchised and vulnerable people living more precariously than ever, certainly in an affluent nation. StreetSmart can help reconcile this, and give a little help where it is needed. It is a great idea and one we diners, and restaurateurs, should support”
To sign up to StreetSmart campaign restaurants simply need to visit www.streetsmart.org.uk/sign-up
