StreetSmart, a national campaign that raises funds for the homeless through restaurants, is again planning to give the homeless in Bristol some Christmas cheer.
It is a national campaign that raises funds for the homeless through restaurants by adding an optional £1 onto each table's bill during November and December. All administration costs are paid by national StreetSmart sponsor Deutsche Bank, which means that every pound donated goes to the charities.
Bristol's restaurants have raised more than £100,000 in the last 10 years – and money raised by participating restaurants will go directly to three local homeless charities: Bristol Soup Run Trust, Caring at Christmas and One 25.
Kelly Manning who is helping to co-ordinate the scheme in Bristol, explained: "The mechanism is straightforward. Participating restaurants add £1 to each bill and although the customer can decline to donate, most happily offer £1 and sometimes more. Restaurants keep count of how much has been raised and brief their staff to thank customers and answer questions related to the scheme – raising both funding and understanding of these important causes."
Restaurants already signed up include Bell's Diner, Berwick Lodge, Bistro La Barrique, Café Maitreya, Clifton Kitchen, Delmonico, Fisher's, Greens Dining Room, Moreish, Primrose Café, Riverstation, Second Floor- Harvey Nichols, Shanghai Nights and The Living Room.
The restaurants are rewarded with significant PR to help drive diners to use the scheme, raising as much as possible for the charities.
Kelly added: "It's such an effective way of raising money that benefits three excellent local causes. StreetSmart runs during November and December, the time when temperatures start dropping. Giving an extra £1 after a lovely meal is not a big ask for the diners and it goes directly to those suffering real hardship."
The three charities each address different facets of homelessness. One25 reaches out to women trapped in street sex work, supporting them to break free and build new lives away from violence, poverty and addiction. Caring at Christmas runs a Christmas shelter, as well as the West of England Nightstop, which provides temporary accommodation with voluntary hosts to 16 – 24 year olds. They also produce The Survival Handbook, giving key information to those that need it. The Bristol Soup Run Trust operates a soup run to Bristol's homeless every night of the year.
StreetSmart has a raft of celebrity supporters of whom Gordon is Ramsay is one. "StreetSmart has become part of Christmas for us. It's everyone's chance to do the right thing at the right time with only the gentlest nudge." Another keen supporter, Stephen Fry, puts the case in his own style. "As seasonal a presence on the menu as parsnips and winter greens, StreetSmart dishes always do your heart good."
For more information, visit www.streetsmart.org.uk
