Friday 1st November sees the launch of StreetSmart, a campaign involving Bristol’s restaurant community that aims to raise more than £10,000 in just two months for the city’s homeless charities.
Twenty restaurants and cafes across the city have pledged to help by adding a £1 voluntary donation to every table’s bill during November and December, forming a local branch of a national charity whose patrons include Gordon Ramsay and Stephen Fry. The idea is simple: if enough people give a tiny amount of money, a real difference can be made.
One of the charity’s longest running supporters in Bristol is Riverstation, who with help from its customers raised over £2,000 last year. Bar manager Gordon Thomson comments: “We are an independent local business, and the StreetSmart campaign allows us to give a little bit back to the community in which we operate. It’s a particularly great charity because we know that every single penny we raise goes directly to local causes – there’s no watering down of the funds raised, and nothing gets wasted.”
Gordon continues: “The idea of each bill producing a £1 donation is extremely clear, our customers are always happy to support it, as they understand exactly what we are trying to achieve. We’re delighted to be fundraising for the campaign again this year, and are very grateful to our customers in supporting us.”
Every single pound raised in the city goes directly to local charities, with all administration costs covered by the StreetSmart’s national sponsor, Deutsche Bank. This means real good can be done right on the doorstep of the restaurant’s that are supporting the campaign.
Bristol’s Mayor, George Ferguson is delighted that StreetSmart restaurants are helping the city’s homeless. He sums it up saying:
“StreetSmart is one of those simple yet effective fundraising initiatives that you just can’t argue with. My congratulations go to those Bristol restaurants who are supporting the scheme, and I urge the city’s residents to spare a thought for it when choosing where to eat over the Christmas period. After all, who can’t spare just £1 when eating out to help those who will be spending Christmas without a decent meal? Between us we can make this the best fundraising year ever and make a real difference to those who need it.”
The StreetSmart campaign runs throughout November and December. To learn more and find participating restaurants please visit www.streetsmart.org.uk.