StreetSmart funds emergency relief grants for COVID-19 thanks to 2019 DineSmart

We have been continually checking in with our community partners throughout this COVID-19 crisis and one thing rings true for every one, they need funding right now. And thanks to the generous support of venues and customers through our 2019 DineSmart campaign we are able to provide immediate grants to help support them through this difficult time.

We will be sharing a lot of the positive impact we’re able to make in the coming days and weeks.

But for now, we’d like to say a special thanks to those in the hospitality industry who have made this all possible and who are also doing it tough right now.

As we wrap up our 2019 DineSmart campaign it’s hard to fathom how much has changed in such a short period of time. But now more than ever, we feel it is so important to champion community spirit and celebrate the good news stories. We are saddened by the impact this health crisis is having on our extremely valued restaurant and cafe partners, so we are actively encouraging our network to continue to support their local venues in any way possible.

The exciting part is now the funds are reaching community partners and making a real difference to their clients and communities. The total of funds distributed through StreetSmart campaigns now reaches over $6 million, supporting over 600 community organisations across Australia.

For over 18 years, DineSmart has applied the simple model of asking diners to chip in a small donation on their bill and granting those donations to combat homelessness in the local community. Sadly, homelessness is on the rise and on any given night there are an estimated 116,000 people without a safe, secure place to call home. With unprecedented demand, and shrinking funding, the funds raised by DineSmart have become an essential lifeline for front line grassroots services, kick starting innovative ideas across the sector.

From November 21st – December 31st 2019, 100 participating restaurants activated the campaign by educating diners about local community projects and seeking support – resulting in $203,751 being raised. We are so proud of this achievement and thank everyone who donated, especially as it was during the devastating bushfires and there were so many opportunities to donate to other causes.

The continued success of DineSmart is thanks to our strong community of caring restaurant owners and dedicated staff that encourage their generous customers to donate. A special shout out to our longstanding restaurants and welcome to the new additions. And once again, we thoroughly appreciate the ongoing support from our Sponsors – OpenTable and Media Partner – Broadsheet.

Fundraising Awards

All our partners play an important role in helping us reach our tally, but some go a little bit further, so we always like to acknowledge the life changing contribution made by our top and standout fundraisers.

Only joining the campaign last year and winning 2018 Best New Restaurant Supernormal, VIC, proved its undeniable dedication to DineSmart as this year’s National Champ, with Café Sydney as Runner Up.

Chin Chin came in at a close third across the country. Both Café Sydney and Chin Chin have now each raised close to $170,000 since joining the event. This is a phenomenal achievement and we are proud to have partners who are just as passionate about DineSmart as we are.

Joining its Melbourne sister restaurant, Chin Chin Sydney made the Top 10 this year, along with others new to the Top 10 – Cho Cho San and Hawker Hall.

The majority of our partners continue to return year after year, and several are notching up significant milestones as DineSmart champions! A special shout-out to Ezard restaurant for celebrating 15 years helping their local hood.
We love the fact restaurants of all shapes and sizes support the campaign meaning we can help local homeless community groups and projects far and wide across the country. A big thank you to a few of our Regional Heroes – Daylesford Cider, Sai Thai Table and Tea and Pizza D’oh.
We always need new venues to come on board and this year Red Sparrow Pizza came in with a bang, smashing their fundraising goals.

A huge thanks to our 2019 Award winners…