StreetSmart SA, an organisation dedicated to helping street children rebuild their lives through donations from restaurants, accommodation establishments and wine tasting venues, has handed over R110 000 to their Franschhoek beneficiary for 2019.
This grand effort is part of the total StreetSmart allocation of R1.7 million distributed nationally for 2019 to organisations working with children at risk.
“This amount is made possible by the generosity of the patrons and our partners, who in spite of tough economic circumstances still give to make a difference to the lives of children, R5 at a time!”, says Margi Biggs, founder of StreetSmart.
The Franschhoek beneficiary is The Kusasa Project, a local organisation assisting children in need by providing support, encouragement and a safe and stimulating learning environment. The StreetSmart funds were handed over at an event held at Bread & Wine Restaurant on Môreson Wine Farm in late November 2018.
“At The Kusasa Project we try to create a safe space for children, but this is only possible with support such as this wonderful donation from StreetSmart. We see the impact of their financial support daily in our teaching and interaction with our learners. We are very grateful for all involved in making the employment of a social worker possible. Thank you!” said Mari-Louise Raymond of The Kusasa Project.
There are currently five establishments in Franschhoek that have embraced StreetSmart’s vision to make a real difference to the lives of street children or children at risk of living on the streets. Funds are raised by adding a R5 donation to each patron’s bill. This donation is voluntary and donors are able to contribute more if they wish to. With this generous gesture, StreetSmart establishments and their guests are making a real difference to the lives of vulnerable and street children in their local communities.
“Through the generosity of our fundraising partners and other supporters we are able to continue to expand our national footprint. For the fifth consecutive year, StreetSmart will be disbursing over R1 million to beneficiaries nationally, enabling us to support 35 programmes. We are so excited to be able to continue this work through responsible giving via StreetSmart and we extend an invitation to restaurants, accommodation establishments and wine tasting venues to become StreetSmart in their local areas,” said Melanie Burke, Chairman of StreetSmart SA.
StreetSmart SA is registered as a Public Benefit Organisation as well as a Non-profit Organisation and ensures that every cent donated by guests goes towards social and educational upliftment projects for street children. StreetSmart’s goal is to be part of the process of social normalisation and to encourage the public not to give money into the hands of a child as this keeps them on the streets. In essence, donating to StreetSmart where you eat, drink and sleep is the responsible way to help a street child.
www.streetsmartsa.org.za | 021 447 3227
