News

News

Manchester restaurants are getting in the festive spirit by yet again backing the Streetsmart campaign, which is designed to help homeless people over the winter.

Established in 1998, the scheme runs in all major cities throughout November and December. It is a simple, innovative, fundraising scheme which works during the holiday months when people often think about those less fortunate than themselves.

Restaurants add on just £1 to each table's bill (not per customer), which is redistributed to small charities which help and support homeless people. A small information card is placed on each table giving customers the chance to opt out if they choose – although past experience suggests that such people will amount to less than 1%.

Manchester Food and Drink Festival, which runs Tasteofmanchester.com, fully supports the work of Streetsmart. Siobhan Hanley, director of the festival, said: "This is such an important scheme which helps vulnerable people over the winter. No one notices an extra pound on their bill when you know it's helping to make a real difference."

For example, last year some homeless people in Manchester were given allotments on the outskirts of Manchester and many are now making a living from selling the produce and also enjoying the nutritional benefits themselves. The idea is to break the cycle by giving them opportunities to start to help themselves and also to discourage the general public from giving money direct to homeless people. 

The StreetSmart ambassador for Manchester is former Slade frontman Noddy Holder who has demonstrated a deep understanding of and commitment to, the campaign for several years. Last year's campaign raised a massive £435,000 and Streetsmart hope to beat this in 2009, its eleventh year.

Restaurants that have already pledged their support are: Bacchanalia, Damson, Dough, Choice Bar and Restaurant, Gusto restaurants, The Modern, Obsidian, Park Inn, Harvey Nichols Second Floor Restaurant, Grill On The Alley, The Lime Tree, The Living Room, Yang Sing and The Greenhouse

A full list of the participating restaurants, homeless projects funded and partners supporting StreetSmart can be found at www.streetsmart.org.uk