Covid-19 brought life – and most businesses – to an unprecedented standstill.

Shops shuttered, airlines stalled, and the immediate halt of travel and tourism brought the broader hospitality industry to its knees.

Like veritable beachfront cottages in a tsunami, restaurants have been among the first, most cherished, and hardest hit businesses in the pandemic, and notably we have experienced the loss of many jobs; the ripple effect has affected other businesses connected to the hospitality industry and also organisations who relied heavily on the patronage of restaurant-goers.

One of them is StreetSmart South Africa with whom I have been associated for the last 15 years and for which I have raised funds by riding the Absa Cape Epic in 2017 and 2018 as well as Wines2Whales in 2019.

StreetSmart South Africa raises funds for street children’s education, skills training, and family reunification programmes, in partnership with restaurants, accommodation establishments, and wine tasting centres. Eating and donating at a StreetSmart restaurant is a smart and responsible way to help a street child. #EatOutHelpOut in a StreetSmart restaurant can make a difference.

Read more: Cycling 8000km for StreetSmart SA

When he was only six years old, John was abandoned by his father who left him with a friend and never returned. Neither biological parents have been contactable since. When asked about his parents, John says that he doesn’t have any. He is an independent young boy who has bonded well with his foster mother and foster siblings. He is the oldest child in his foster home and takes this responsibility very seriously. He is very protective of the younger children and generous in making sure if he gets a treat, they do too.

John is doing exceptionally well at school and excels on the sports field whether it be running, soccer or tennis. Soccer is his favourite sport but he can play anything. Due to John not having a birth certificate, he has been unable to participate in sport at school.

Read more: Your financial support gives John a stable home, helps his schooling and sports activities

StreetSmart Stellenbosch has launched a month long Stationery Collection Drive aimed at empowering the town’s most vulnerable children by helping them stay in school.

Until 30 September 2021, much needed school stationery can be dropped off at the premises of fundraising partners of StreetSmart Stellenbosch. The drop-off points for stationery donations are: Dinner for 20 Bistro, Jordan Restaurant, Kunjani Wines, Majeka Kitchen and wine.co.za.

Read more: StreetSmart Stellenbosch appeal for school stationery supplies

Win 6 bottles of Laborie Brut

StreetSmart Woman’s Month Routes focus on women in the hospitality world. Why not celebrate Woman’s Month with good food and enjoy a weekend away travelling to the Garden Route?  We’ll start in Swellendam and end in Plettenberg Bay.  You can meet talented women who make it possible for you to be able to Eat, Sleep, Taste & Enjoy responsibly AND enter the fun StreetSmart Competition.

To win 6 bottles of Laborie Brut:

Read more: Weekends Away with StreetSmart Woman’s Month Routes

Mary came to school one day and while doing her work, her teacher touched her back and she flinched. It was on further enquiry by the teacher, that it was found that Mary had very bad lashes on her back. The teacher acted swiftly and contacted the social worker immediately. On investigation it was discovered that the child had been hit by one of her parents as a form of discipline. The matter was immediately referred to the local statuary body, ACVV, and she was removed and placed in the care of a family member.

The social workers of the ACVV and The Kusasa Project have walked a long journey together assisting the child and her parents. Through support and parent guidance the child has successfully reintegrated into the family home and her parents are able to use more effective discipline techniques. As a whole the family is flourishing.

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In our engagement with the ECD centres, we have had tremendous positive feedback regarding our training. In 2020 we facilitated training for the 14 centres, teaching them what is expected from the Department of Social Development’s standard operating procedures to open within the COVID reality. 

Read more: Stellumthombo supports 14 ECD centres through training.