Diners at 20 restaurants across Greater Manchester will be asked to add a voluntary £1 to their bills this winter as part of the StreetSmart fundraising campaign, with all proceeds going to local homelessness charities.
The campaign runs throughout November and December. Customers can choose to remove the charge if they do not wish to take part. Beneficiaries include CentrePoint, which funds Independent Living Advisors for young people, and Real Change Manchester, which provides extra funding to existing homelessness charities.
Campaign history and impact
StreetSmart was first launched in 1998 and has since helped raise more than £16m for worthy causes. At least 20 venues across the city-region have already signed up to take part this year. The campaign is sponsored by LandAid. Last year's efforts alone raised £1.17m.
Participating venues
Among those taking part this year are Tampopo on Albert Square and in the Corn Exchange, Stretford Canteen, Lina Stores, Bar Posie, Erst, Manahatta and Blue Eyed Panda in Ancoats. Ezra & Gill, Hawksmoor, and Urmston's Hache will also take part.
Other participating restaurants and bars include San Carlo Gran Cafe and San Carlo Bottega, as well as Todmorden's Fredericks, Proloco in Ancoats, Counter, Sampa, and Didsbury's Arcadian.
Support and next steps
The campaign has been backed by Elbow frontman Guy Garvey, who said: “Every single one of us is a direct descendent of a desperate, homeless, hungry person. We don’t deal in fear and alienation in Manchester; we step up and help out.”
Further restaurants will be added to the StreetSmart campaign as it gets underway, with additional venues keen to take part encouraged to reach out to organisers behind the project.
Glenn Pougnet, Director of StreetSmart, said: “The festive period can be an incredibly tough time for those struggling with homelessness. StreetSmart provides a simple way for people to help those most in need - giving back whilst dining out at Christmas is what StreetSmart is all about and we’re thrilled to have so many restaurants already taking part.
“Every £1 added to a bill adds up and makes a huge difference. There’s still time to sign up too so if you would like to get involved please get in touch.”
