As we head closer towards Christmas day, we often find ourselves with so many parties and dinners to attend that we almost begin to bemoan the idea of going out for yet another meal. And then we spare a thought for the 100,000 homeless people across Australia who don’t have food on the table, a roof over their head, or the support of loved ones and feel compelled to help.
By Chloe Schneider
For the six weeks leading up to Christmas, lending a helping hand to those less fortunate is simple thanks to StreetSmart’s clever DineSmart initiative.
StreetSmart Australia was established in 2003 with a goal to support and strengthen the small community organisations that are helping the homeless.
The DineSmart event sees restaurants around Australia adding just $2 to their customers’ bills, all of which goes straight to the local charities helping the homeless.
There are 174 restaurants involved, including favourites like the Bavarian Bier Cafes, Bills restaurants, Sake, China Doll, and Toko, all of which will be donating $2 and whatever other donations diners leave to this very worthy cause.
Think $2 won’t make a difference? Over the years that small change has been multiplied a million times with $2 million having been raised for nearly 500 local charities.
We asked StreetSmart founder and CEO Adam Robinson a few questions about StreetSmart and this clever campaign…
RESCU: What sorts of figures are we talking with regards to homeless people in Australia?
Adam Robinson: On census night last year 105,000 people were assessed as homeless but of course by its nature it is a very difficult thing to track and record.
RESCU: How did the idea for DineSmart come about?
Adam Robinson: I was working in a youth refuge in the outer suburbs of Melbourne and was seeing just how difficult it was for small charities to raise funds. I came across the UK StreetSmart campaign and decided to give it a go here. Nine years later we have raised over $2 million and helped thousands of people.
RESCU: What other initiatives can people get involved in to support the homeless?
Adam Robinson: We run two national events, DineSmart and CafeSmart. I would also encourage people to look locally at their neighbourhoods and see what services are provided and whether they need help.
RESCU: Can patrons do anything to help get more restaurants involved?
Adam Robinson: Not for this year but I would encourage people to talk to their local restaurants and cafes and tell them about what we do and see if they may be interested for next year. One hundred per cent of the funds raised will stay local.
RESCU: Are there restaurants participating all over Australia?
Adam Robinson: All except Tas, WA and NT
To find out which restaurants will be participating in your area this year, head to the DineSmart website