StreetSmart SA has handed over R100 000 to their Franschhoek beneficiary, The Kusasa Project, for 2017. This is part of an allocation of over R1 million raised nationally for the third consecutive year by StreetSmart SA with the balance to be distributed in the other regions later this month.

Kusasa has been in operation since 2006 and primarily addresses the educational needs of disadvantaged children by providing support, encouragement and the environment to learn in a safe, stimulating setting. The StreetSmart funds will be used towards the salaries of a social and community work manager and an auxiliary social worker.

There are currently 7 restaurants in Franschhoek that have embraced StreetSmart’s vision to make a real difference to the lives of street children. Funds are raised by adding a R5 donation to each table's bill at participating restaurants. This donation is voluntary and diners are able to contribute more if they wish to. 

Georgie Prout (Glen Carlou), Tina Jewell (Bread & Wine), Margot Janse (Le Quartier Francais) & Reinette Retief (StreetSmart SA)

Melanie Burke (StreetSmart SA Chairman) & Chef Chris Erasmus (Foliage)

The first Franschhoek restaurants to become StreetSmart in November 2007 were Le Quartier Français and Bread & Wine. Together with Foliage, Haute Cabrière, Le Bon Vivant, Monneaux and Reuben’s, they offer their diners the opportunity to give responsibly in their restaurants, and not in the hands of a child. 

“StreetSmart, through the work of our beneficiaries, provides opportunities to empower street children and other vulnerable children in our communities to live viable lives. Through the generosity of our restaurant partners and other supporters we are able to continue to expand our national footprint. For the third time in a row, StreetSmart will be disbursing over R1 million to beneficiaries nationally. We are so excited to be able to continue this work through responsible giving via StreetSmart restaurants.” says Melanie Burke, Chairman of StreetSmart SA.

Kathryn Nurse & Jacqui Spiers (Kusasa Project), Melanie Burke (StreetSmart SA Chairman) & Sintu Quza (Kusasa Project)

Expressing her gratitude, Jacquie Bérard-Spiers from the The Kusasa Project, said: “StreetSmart funding ensures that the children, who attend The Kusasa Project Early Learning Center and the Scholarship Programme, as well as their families, have access to the services of a fully qualified Social Worker and her assistant.

We know that without this support, we would be unable to help these families 

help themselves and thereby become fully functioning contributors and active members of our community. We are indeed grateful to StreetSmart for helping us change lives!”

StreetSmart Restaurateurs and their diners are taking hands to make a difference in their communities.  Nationally this partnership with 92 restaurants has raised more than R1 060 000 during 2016, for organisations that are actively involved with social development and rehabilitation of street children with the ultimate goal of family re-unification.

Jonathan Snashall, Melanie Burke (StreetSmart SA Chairman), Carmen Arendse (FWVTA),

Jomine Mienies (FWVTA), Portia Jansen (Stellenbosch Municipality)

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StreetSmart South Africa has handed over R600 000 to their Cape Town beneficiaries for 2017. This is part of an allocation of over R1 million raised nationally for the third consecutive year by StreetSmart SA with the balance to be distributed in the other regions later this month. 

The Cape Town beneficiaries are Cape Town Multi Service Centre, Home from Home - Masiphumulele, Ocean View and Westlake, Learn to Live, Ons Plek, T.L.C. Outreach Projects, and School of Hope – Thembalitsha Foundation.

Elsa van Huyssteen (CPT Multi-Service Centre)

& Caroline Bagley (StreetSmart SA Board Member)

Eilene Michaels (Home from Home), Marion Thomas

(StreetSmart SA Board Member) & Charisse Fourie (Home from Home)

Colleen Pietersen (TLC Outreach Projects) & Margi Biggs (StreetSmart SA Founder)

There are currently 31 restaurants in Cape Town that have embraced StreetSmart’s vision to make a real difference to the lives of street children. Funds are raised by adding a R5 donation to each table's bill at participating restaurants. This donation is voluntary and diners are able to contribute more if they wish to.

“StreetSmart, through the work of our beneficiaries, provides opportunities to empower street children and other vulnerable children in our communities to live viable lives. Through the generosity of our restaurant partners and other supporters we are able to continue to expand our national footprint. For the third time in a row, StreetSmart will be disbursing over

R1 million to beneficiaries nationally. We are so excited to be able to continue this work through responsible giving via StreetSmart restaurants.” says Melanie Burke, Chairman of StreetSmart SA.

                                  Melanie Burke (StreetSmart SA  Chairman)

Expressing her gratitude, Madeleine Thornhill, Principal of Learn to Live School of Skills, one of the selected StreetSmart beneficiaries for 2017, said: “I could write books about the impact that StreetSmart funding has on our children. What stands out for me is that our learners, who come from impoverished, gang invested areas with little to no hope of a better future, get an opportunity to escape from their environment. Through the life skills and vocational training that we offer, they have a chance of a better future. With basic skills in panel beating these young people can find employment and break the generational cycle of poverty in their families. Thank you so much!”