WRITER and broadcaster Stuart Maconie added his support to the launch of this year’s StreetSmart Manchester, which has brought some exciting new restaurants on board in the annual campaign to raise cash to aid the homeless
Stuart (pictured above) was present at the launch at Damson MediaCity. He 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 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.”
StreetSmart works by participating restaurants adding £1 to all customers’ 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 with the 2013 campaign raising £610,000 nationally, and Manchester restaurants generating £25,000.
A major point of difference this year is that 100 per cent of the funds raised by each participating city is directed straight back into local homeless projects and charities. These organisations are designed to help those individuals who have found themselves homeless in breaking the cycle, regaining their dignity and rebuilding their lives via positive action. All administration fees are generously covered by the campaign’s sponsor, Deutsche Bank.
One organisation that receives regular annual support from StreetSmart is The Booth Centre – a 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.
Last year, StreetSmart also supported organisations across Greater Manchester including Church Housing Trust, Acting on Impulse, Mustard Tree and Contact. These projects provide crucial support to the homeless through empowering activities such as allotment schemes, counselling, free music workshops and mentoring, as well as relief for people in crisis such as soup runs, clothing and bedding distribution and shelter.
Participating restaurants in StreetSmart Manchester this year include:
Artisan, City Centre, Beef and Pudding, City Centre, Damson, Heaton Moor, Damson, MediaCityUK, Eagle & Child, Ramsbottom Fazenda, Spinninfields, City Centre, Hearth of the Ram, Ramsbottom, Fig & Sparrow, Manchester, Kro Piccadilly, City Centre, Kro Heaton Moor, Salvi’s Cucina, Manchester, Second Floor Restaurant, Harvey Nichols, City Centre, Smoak Restaurant, Malmaison Hotel, City Centre, Splendid Sausage, Manchester, The Parlour, Chorlton, The Red Lion, High Lane
To sign up to StreetSmart campaign restaurants simply need to visit
http://www.streetsmart.org.uk/sign-up.php.