Thank You – DineSmart 2016 Raises $250,058

As a community we are all being challenged by the homelessness crisis. Homelessness is more visible (though mostly hidden) on our streets, in our towns and our neighbourhoods.  A lack of affordable housing, domestic violence, poverty, unemployment, family breakdown are all contributing factors yet, frustratingly, some media, rather than reporting on the failure of our society to tackle homelessness, have sort to blame and attack the vulnerable. We are a wealthy, innovative country but increasingly we seem to be losing our compassion and our will to tackle the big issues we face.  We can do better, and that thought drives the team at StreetSmart.  We believe we can do better and need a whole of community response to homelessness.  Thats’s what our events and campaigns are all about – bringing the community together to take action against homelessness.  Not just standing by and letting people go unsupported.

If we cast our minds way back to before Christmas 2016, our 14th DineSmart campaign ran in 88 restaurants and cafes during the run up to NYE. Diners at participating restaurants were asked to chip in a $2 donation on their bill to help fund grassroots homeless services. Once again the community   responded.

From 14th Nov to 31st Dec diners generously chipped in to help us raise a massive $250,058. That’s a great response and shows that our community is generous and wants to contribute.  Every cent of the proceeds raised from the public will now go out as community grants. Restaurants, cafes and their customers have now helped StreetSmart raise over $4.3million, funding over 486 community organisations. A good many of the participating restaurants increased their donation collection year on year – an awesome achievement – and some have been partnering with us for 13 years.  Having the support of restaurant and café owners, staff and diners is so inspiring and each year drives what we do and our social impact.  We were also lucky to have the continued support of Broadsheet, Under One Roof, Scout, Ordermate and Bird and Beast.

It’s always good to celebrate and acknowledge our top fundraisers so here they are….

Award Winners