Restaurants become StreetSmart in Knysna

StreetSmart SA has launched in Knysna and is rallying restaurants to become involved in helping to rebuild the lives of children at risk in the town.

“StreetSmart is one of the best examples of how a little donation can go a long way. It shows how those who enjoy a meal, can with agreement of those who cook and serve, help people who are less fortunate than themselves, so that they too can become productive citizens of our country,” said Sue Mills, Knysna hotelier and co-ordinator of the Knysna Committee of StreetSmart SA at the launch event. “Let’s give these StreetSmart recipients a means to obtain dignity and hope,” added Sue.

Funds are raised by adding a voluntary R5 donation to each table's bill at participating restaurants and since its inception in Cape Town in 2005 under the patronage of Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, StreetSmart has raised a total of over R11,5 million.

The beneficiary selected for StreetSmart Knysna is Sinethemba. Established in 2003, the organisation works with children at risk and their families to enhance self-sufficiency and giving hope through well-structured development programmes, in order for them to become active change agents in their society. Sinethemba received R30,000 that was raised by the three restaurants that started the ball rolling in Knysna: Caroline’s at Belvidere Manor, Knysna Hollow Restaurant and the Bell Tavern at Belividere Manor. These funds will be used towards the salary of an Auxiliary Social Worker.

 “We are thrilled to launch StreetSmart Knysna, expanding StreetSmart’s reach to assist greater numbers of street children and children at risk. Every cent raised here in Knysna goes to support local programmes for vulnerable children. Well done to the local committee, restaurateurs and diners, and I wish them great success in growing StreetSmart Knysna,” said Melanie Burke, Chairman of StreetSmart SA.

At the time of the launch, two more Knysna restaurants had already joined the StreetSmart initiative: Chatters and Earth & Fire Restaurant.

There are currently 88 StreetSmart restaurants running this worthy initiative in Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, Oudtshoorn, Cape Town, Franschhoek, Stellenbosch, Paarl, Somerset West, Swellendam, Johannesburg and Pretoria.

“StreetSmart is such a great and easy concept to do good. I wish that we can sign up more and more restaurants to join in this initiative,” added Burke.