StreetSmart raises R90,000 for Sinethemba Projects in Knysna

L-R: Sharon Dreyer, Sonia Thomas, Siphamandla Halahala (Sinethemba), Melanie Burke (StreetSmart), Sue Mills (Belvidere Manor Hotel)

The funds were handed over at an event held at Belvidere Manor Hotel. The donation is part of over R1m awarded nationally for the fourth consecutive year by StreetSmart SA, an organisation dedicated to helping vulnerable children rebuild their lives, through donations from partner establishments in the Western Cape, Garden Route, Gauteng and Kwazulu-Natal.

“StreetSmart is one of the best examples of how a little donation can go a long way. It shows how those who enjoy a meal can, with agreement of those who cook and serve, help people who are less fortunate than themselves, so that they too can become productive citizens of our country,” said Sue Mills, Knysna hotelier and co-ordinator of StreetSmart Knysna. “We are thrilled with the support of our restaurants and diners who have enabled us to provide support to these kids who might not otherwise have a chance to return to school and advance in life,” added Mills.

Enhancing self-sufficiency

L-R: Siphomandla Halahala (Sinethemba Youth Development Projects) and Melanie Burke (chairman, StreetSmart SA)

Sinethemba was established in 2003 and works with children at risk and their families to enhance self-sufficiency, giving hope through well-structured development programmes in order for them to become active change agents in their community. These funds will be used towards family reconstruction services in 2018.

“Thank you StreetSmart for providing our children with tools to become the best they can be and helping them to reach their full potential,” said a grateful Michael Smith, director of Sinethemba.

There are currently four restaurants in Knysna 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 table's bill at participating restaurants. This donation is voluntary and diners are able to contribute more if they wish to.

Blend Restaurant, Caroline’s @ Belvidere Manor, Chatters Bistro and The Bell Tavern @ Belvidere Manor offer their guests the opportunity to give responsibly in their restaurants and guesthouse, rather than giving handouts directly to children, which inevitably keeps them on the streets.

Expanding national footprint

“Through the generosity of our restaurant partners and other supporters, we are able to continue to expand our national footprint, in spite of tough economic times. For the fourth time in a row, StreetSmart will be disbursing over R1m to beneficiaries nationally, enabling us to support 31 programmes. We are so excited to be able to continue this work not only through responsible giving via StreetSmart restaurants, but also through accommodation establishments and wine tasting venues and cellar doors,” said Melanie Burke, chairman of StreetSmart SA.

StreetSmart partner establishments and their guests contribute generously to make a difference to the lives of vulnerable and street children in their local communities. Nationally, this partnership has raised R1,120,000.00 during 2017, literally R5 at a time.