William McCue // Unsplash
The StreetSmart campaign, in partnership with Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity, is launching on 1st November with restaurants across the city region raising funds for those who are facing homelessness this winter and beyond.
On 21st October Tim Heatley from Capital & Centric, Chair of Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity, alongside hospitality businesses, will launch the scheme at StreetSmart partner restaurant Firehouse to encourage more restaurants to sign up and add £1 to the bill over the Festive season.
Streetsmart have teamed up with the Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity to create the most impactful campaign possible this year, at a time when sadly COVID has meant that more people than ever have been pushed to the brink of homelessness.
Greater Manchester Mayor, Andy Burnham, commented: “I have been so encouraged by the number of Greater Manchester businesses who have stepped forward to help with our efforts to reduce rough sleeping and homelessness. We are lucky to be home to many brilliant hospitality businesses which aren’t just great places to go, but which also are prepared to use their success for the benefit of others. That’s the Greater Manchester way and long may it be the case. StreetSmart takes this work to the next level and I hope our businesses and the generous Greater Manchester public will get on board with it. We have a huge challenge ahead in preventing a rise in homelessness.”
Through the simple idea of adding a voluntary £1 to diners’ bills during the festive months, Greater Manchester restaurants will be raising funds for local charitable projects that help those living on the streets and in unsuitable accommodation.
Last year’s campaign was curtailed by the announcement of Tier 3 restrictions but in previous years Manchester restaurants have raised an incredible £34,000.
ALL monies raised by the StreetSmart campaign go directly to local homeless organisations, thanks to the generosity of sponsors Land Aid.
The funds raised by StreetSmart here in Manchester will go towards the critical work of organisations including The Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity tackling rough sleeping in the city, as well as other local homegrown charities helping to improve the lives of homeless young people.
These organisations are focused on helping individuals break the cycle, regain their dignity and rebuild their lives via positive action, as well as providing crisis and emergency shelter and food during the pandemic.
StreetSmart has raised over £10 million since its foundation. Over 50 homelessness charities now benefit each year, with funds supporting services like the creation of beds, housing, mental health advice and training and job support.
The restaurants signed up to support the homeless this year so far include:
● Tampopo Albert Square, Manchester City Centre.
● Tampopo Corn Exchange, Manchester City Centre.
● Tampopo Trafford Centre, Manchester City Centre.
● Evuna Northern Quarter, Manchester City Centre.
● Evuna Deansgate, Manchester City Centre.
● Evuna Altrincham
● Street Urchin, Ancoats, Manchester City Centre.
● 20 Stories, Manchester City Centre.
● Banyan, Corn Exchange
● Banyan, Spinningfields
● Firehouse, Manchester.
● Ramona, Manchester.
● Solita, Northern Quarter
● Solita, Didsbury
● Bottega by San Carlo at Selfridges
Glenn Pougnet, Director of StreetSmart said:
“Homelessness is complex and often misunderstood. It is not suffered through choice. All money raised through dining out will contribute to achieving impactful social change, supporting those most vulnerable, living on the streets and in unsuitable accommodation.”
“The campaign launches at a time when the hospitality industry is dealing with all sorts of challenges and so it’s particularly humbling to see so many restaurants keen to do their bit and support us. I’d like to thank every one of them as their commitment means we can raise vital funds at a time when they’ll be needed most.”
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