Diners can help alleviate homelessness by donating £1 per table at more than 540 restaurants, pubs and hotels around the UK between now and the end of the year in the charity StreetSmart’s annual fundraising drive.
Chef and StreetSmart ambassador Monica Galetti (pictured), of restaurant Mere in Fitzrovia, is among the volunteers who provide daily free meals and clothing to more than 150 homeless and vulnerable people in the Soup Kitchen at the American Church in central London, which is funded by the charity.
She says, “Homelessness is something we see on the streets every day in London, and so when we opened our restaurant nearby we were keen to give back to the local community. Anything we can do to alleviate the pain of homelessness is worthwhile. With StreetSmart it is so easy and 100% of the money goes direct to people most in need.”
Over 540 restaurants have signed up including Barrafina, Gymkhana, Trattoria Brutto and St John, as well as the eateries within Harvey Nichols and Selfridges and the D&D London and MEATliquor restaurant groups.
Chef Jeremy Lee from Quo Vadis said he has admired the campaign since its inception: “StreetSmart’s secret is that it’s dead simple. Today we can feel far too busy and serious to do anything, but with this tiny effort you can end up with a large lump sum after Christmas. It’s a small gesture for a big problem.”
Joining for the first time are restaurants Endo at Rotunda and Manteca as well as new openings Amethyst, Cavita and Caravel. They join the dozens of foodie pubs across London, like The Princess Royal in Notting Hill, The Wells in Hampstead, The Cadogan Arms in Chelsea and The Cyclist in Balham. So, whatever cuisine you like, or wherever you live across the capital, you can enjoy a meal out and donate.
The campaign takes place against the backdrop of spiralling costs, affecting every business and every family. However, it is those at the bottom who are hit the hardest, facing the threat of eviction and life on the streets.
StreetSmart has raised over £11.2 million since launching in 1998 and now operates in 24 cities across the UK. Over 50 homelessness charities benefit each year, with funds supporting services like the creation of beds, housing, mental health support and training and job support.
She says, “Homelessness is something we see on the streets every day in London, and so when we opened our restaurant nearby we were keen to give back to the local community. Anything we can do to alleviate the pain of homelessness is worthwhile. With StreetSmart it is so easy and 100% of the money goes direct to people most in need.”
Due to the pioneering way StreetSmart is funded 100% of all of the money raised at the restaurants goes to help those in need, as the charity’s partner LandAid covers all of the costs of the campaign.
