Support: Sessions Arts Club has signed up to support the cause
(Picture: Courtesy of StreetSmart)The charity StreetSmart is hoping to raise hundreds of thousands of pounds in aid of the homeless this year, as it announces nearly 550 restaurants across the country taking part in its annual drive.
Now in its 24th year, the organisation has collected more than £11.2million to support those sleeping rough. The charity signs up restaurants who add an optional, charitable £1 to each table’s bill during November and December. The graceful simplicity and unobtrusiveness of the method — it costs the restaurants nothing, and diners pennies — last year raised £696,000.
More than 50 homeless charities across the country benefit, with every penny from every bill passed on; the charity is supported by LandAid, who cover all the campaign’s costs.
Restaurants joining the drive for the first time in 2022 include Endo at Rotunda, Manteca, Amethyst, Cavita, Sessions Arts Club and Caravel. Third-generation sushi master Endo Kazutoshi said of his restaurant’s involvement: “We are delighted to be partnering with Streetsmart to play a small role in supporting the wonderful work they do. In such difficult times, we are proud to be working alongside such a worthy charity in helping those that are homeless.”
Kazotoshi joins the likes of Barrafina, Gymkhana, Trattoria Brutto, St John, as well as a slew of top gastropubs, including new Notting Hill favourite the Princess Royal, the Wells in Hampstead and Chelsea’s Cadogan Arms.
Others doing their bit include the restaurant group D&D, as well as popular chain MEATliquor. Scott Collins, MEATliquor’s CEO, said of his group’s long-standing support: “MEATliquor have supported StreetSmart for 10 years. Our staff and customers are happy to participate each Christmas, as they know they are helping people who they may see locally struggling on the streets. Huge thanks and kudos to our customers who have now donated over the years to the cause.”
In the 2021 drive, Collins’s restaurants single-handedly raised more than £28,000. Others involved include popular chef Jeremy Lee, of Quo Vadis, who commented: “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.”
Given its good intentions and easy implementation, StreetSmart is growing across the country and will this year operate in 24 cities. In London, the money helps support the likes of The Soup Kitchen at the American Church by Tottenham Court Road, which provides free meals, clothing and toiletries to more than 150 homeless and vulnerable people each day, and additionally operates an on-site mental health drop-in centre.
The chef Monica Galetti, who is a StreetSmart ambassador, is among those to volunteer there. “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,” said Galetti.
“If we can help a little by running StreetSmart and occasionally volunteering then that’s the least we can do. We only receive positive feedback from our staff and guests, who are happy to give to such a worthwhile cause.”
This year’s fundraising appears to be more critical than ever: in September, it was reported London could lose nearly a third of its funding to tackle homelessness owing to new proposals from the government. In monetary terms, the loss would equate to some £50million.
