Introduction
Two London business people set up StreetSmart in 1998. The idea was simple ? during November and December in the run-up to Christmas, many people go out to eat in restaurants and celebrate the spirit of the holidays. In the spirit of harnessing a little of that "good cheer?, it was decided to raise money for worthy charities for the homeless at the same time as people were enjoying a nice meal out. Patrons were encouraged to add an additional amount to their bill ? an amount for StreetSmart.

How does StreetSmart work?
StreetSmart South Africa will work along the same lines as it does in the United Kingdom, San Francisco and Melbourne. It is in registered as a Public Benefit Organisation (PBO) which functions as a conduit fundraising body, distributing raised funds to beneficiaries. A board of Directors will coordinate StreetSmart. The administrator will work with the restaurants as well as the benefiting charities. StreetSmart raises money via participating restaurants. The organization distributes money directly to established charities that have the experience and facilities to help children who are living on the streets, are homeless, and need to get back on their feet. The money goes to projects which provide skills and resources for longer-term help. Participating restaurants display a StreetSmart card on the table informing patrons that a R5.00 donation will be added to their bill. They will have the option to give more than R5.00 (or not give at all). This donation will be registered separately in the restaurant till and StreetSmart will collect the funds. The initiative will run throughout the year and not just at holiday times. Restaurants in the Cape Town area will be invited to participate. Each restaurant will join the campaign secure in the knowledge that their Patrons will feel comfortable with an additional R5.00 added to the total bill.

What is the purpose? What is the goal?
The express purpose of StreetSmart in Cape Town will be to raise money through restaurants for the following three charities, all of which have been in existence for between 15 and 20 years.

• The Homestead - a service provider to boys who live on the street, providing a drop-in centre, a shelter and a children?s home, a job creation scheme and a family mediation and reconciliation programme;
• Ons Plek - a service provider to girls who live on the street ? as above;
• Learn to Live - a non-formal educational programme that many street children attend. It provides an invaluable bridge between the street, the shelter and the school.

StreetSmart?s goal is to be part of the process of social normalization. The long-term vision is to develop a StreetSmart South Africa, with key restaurants in major centres embracing the StreetSmart campaign. This will raise money and develop a national awareness of and compassion for, homeless children.?