Add just £1 to your restaurant bill and help fight homelessness in Manchester this Christmas

The 25th annual StreetSmart campaign, launching on November 1st, is set to bring warmth and hope to the city’s streets through a simple yet powerful initiative.

This year, 16 fantastic restaurants have already pledged their support, with the StreetSmart team urging even more eateries to participate in this heartwarming cause.

Helping the Homeless £1 at a Time

The premise of StreetSmart is straightforward but incredibly impactful.

Participating restaurants will add a voluntary £1 donation to every bill throughout November and December, and every penny raised will be directed toward local homeless organisations.

This charitable endeavour is made possible thanks to StreetSmart’s official sponsorship from LandAid.

Making a Difference

The significance of this act cannot be overstated, as Greater Manchester’s restaurants collectively work to make a substantial difference to local charitable projects dedicated to assisting those who are either sleeping rough or at imminent risk of homelessness.

The funds raised through StreetSmart will be channelled towards supporting crucial work carried out by organisations like Centrepoint Manchester and The Booth Centre, among others.

These homegrown charities and initiatives are on a mission to provide not only a bed and personal support but also an opportunity for individuals to break the cycle, regain their dignity, and rebuild their lives through positive action.

Their services encompass crisis and emergency shelter, as well as providing essential food during these challenging times marked by a rising cost of living crisis.

£34,000 Raised

In previous years, Manchester’s StreetSmart campaign has been nothing short of remarkable, with a total of £34,000 raised by compassionate restaurants.

However, given the increased demand for homeless charities over the past year, StreetSmart is determined to break previous records and raise even more this time around.

Glenn Pougnet

Glenn Pougnet, Director of StreetSmart, expressed his gratitude for the local restaurants’ commitment and the unwavering generosity of Greater Mancunians.

He acknowledged the harsh reality that it is often the poorest in society who bear the brunt of challenges like the cost of living crisis, making the work of the supported charities all the more crucial.

Pougnet emphasised that eradicating homelessness from the streets remains at the core of StreetSmart’s mission, and he extended an invitation to more restaurants to join this noble cause during the festive season.

Simon Martin from mana

One of the restaurants taking part in StreetSmart 2023 is Michelin-Starred Ancoats restaurant, mana. Simon Martin, Chef Patron at mana, said:

“The team at mana are keen to work with StreetSmart again this winter. We are proud of our quiet corner of Manchester, but it does not shelter us from the reality of homelessness.

“We feel a responsibility to promote such a meaningful cause, knowing that real action is being taken to improve lives.”

The list of restaurants currently signed up for StreetSmart 2023 includes a diverse array of establishments, all united in their commitment to making a positive change in the lives of those facing homelessness.

Streetsmart Participating Restaurants

The participating restaurants are:

• mana, Ancoats
• Hawksmoor, Deansgate
• Tampopo: Albert Square, Manchester City Centre
• Tampopo: Corn Exchange, Manchester City Centre
• Banyan, Corn Exchange
• Banyan, Spinningfields
• Manahatta, Deansgate
• BOX, Deansgate
• Bottega by San Carlo at Selfridges, Exchange Square
• 20 Stories, Spinningfields
• Street Urchin, Ancoats, Manchester City Centre
• HOME Bar and Kitchen, First Street, Manchester City Centre
• The Lead Station, Chorlton
• Tariff and Dale, Northern Quarter
• Stretford Canteen, Stretford

The heartwarming initiative encourages people across Greater Manchester to join hands with the city’s restaurants by adding a voluntary £1 to their food bills.

The campaign officially starts on November 1st and will continue throughout November and December. This call to action is aimed at raising vital funds for those who find themselves without a place to call home during the harsh winter months.

StreetSmart

The importance of StreetSmart cannot be overstated, as it has successfully raised over £10.3 million since its inception 25 years ago.

The initiative’s concept is elegantly simple: a voluntary £1 is added to diners’ bills at restaurants supporting StreetSmart, with the proceeds directed toward local charitable projects that support those experiencing homelessness, whether living on the streets or in unsuitable accommodation.

The participating businesses that have already signed up for StreetSmart 2023 are making an impactful difference in the lives of those in need.

Every pound raised will go a long way in providing shelter, support, and hope to struggling individuals during these challenging times.

Glenn Pougnet, Director of StreetSmart, expressed his gratitude to the local restaurants that have rallied to make a difference and highlighted the significance of their support during a time when the cost of living crisis disproportionately affects the most vulnerable.

StreetSmart’s unwavering mission to eradicate homelessness from the streets remains steadfast, and they eagerly welcome more restaurants to participate in this heartwarming initiative this Christmas season.

The 25th StreetSmart Campaign

As the festive season approaches, Manchester’s hospitality industry is not only serving delicious meals but also extending a hand of compassion to those facing homelessness.

The 25th StreetSmart campaign is an opportunity for the entire city to unite, as restaurants and diners alike make a significant difference in the lives of the less fortunate.

With more restaurants encouraged to join this noble cause, Greater Manchester can truly shine as a beacon of hope and support this Christmas.