Gordon Ramsay backs StreetSmart campaign

Diners can help the homeless while they eat at some of Chiswick’s finest restaurants this winter. Throughout the months of November and December, ground-breaking charity StreetSmart aims to raise thousands for homeless charities by asking diners to add £1 to their final bill.

Chef and restaurateur Gordon Ramsay said "StreetSmart has become part of Christmas for us. It is everyone's chance to do the right thing at the right time with only the gentlest nudge."

Sam Harrison is proud that Sam’s Bar & Brasserie will be participating again this year. He said “I think it is a great way of raising money for some very worthy charities, which do wonderful work for the homeless of London and other areas. As we head to towards the Christmas Holiday season and a time of happiness for most, it is good to remember how tough some people will have it this winter on the streets. I would like to remind all of our customers that this is a voluntary donation as I know a lot of people have their own chosen charities that they already support.”

Le Vacherin’s Malcolm John echoed these sentiments adding “This is the second year that Le Vacherin has taken part in the Streetmart charity and I am more than happy to so. We may well run the fund raising all year and not just for Christmas.”

Since StreetSmart began seven years ago, the scheme has raised £2,286,000 and provided funding to over 145 homeless organisations across the UK. The beauty of StreetSmart is its simplicity. It is an innovative, easy fundraising scheme which works during the holiday months when people begin to think about those less fortunate than themselves.

At participating restaurants a voluntary £1 is added to the table bill at the end of the meal which is passed onto the charity at the end of each month. And because all of StreetSmart’s running and operational costs are generously paid for by supporters Bloomberg, every penny in every £1 raised goes directly to the people who need it.

Concerned about the waiting staff’s tips? Well most restaurants have found that participating in StreetSmart has no effect on the level of tipping. In fact customers are happy to contribute and don't make any adjustment to the level of tip they would normally leave for a meal.

All the charities which receive funds from StreetSmart have been carefully selected and are aimed at getting people off the streets, and onto their feet again. Some of the money does go to the basics, such as a bed, a shower, a pair of shoes, but the charities they fund don't stop there as that rarely solves the problem. The money goes to those who support people through crucial stages in their progress from vagrant to valued community member.

November 20, 2006