KNYSNA NEWS - A huge high five to Chatters Bistro of Knysna for cracking the national top 5 list of StreetSmart establishments making a difference to the lives of vulnerable children R5 at a time. Four restaurants in Knysna and Plett have made the country's top 20 StreetSmart list.
StreetSmart's goal is to be part of the process of social normalisation and they encourage the public not to give money into the hands of a child as this keeps them on the streets.
Chatters Bistro is followed by Belvidere Manor, also of Knysna, and The Fat Fish and Nguni Restaurant, both of Plettenberg Bay.
R1.7m raised nationally
Last year, StreetSmart restaurants and their diners raised over R1.7-million nationally. The top 5 contributing restaurants were Gold Restaurant (Cape Town) raising R113 224, La Mouette (Cape Town) with R84 500, Moyo @ Kirstenbosch (Cape Town) raising R56 765, Stacked Diner (Cape Town) with R52 660 and Chatters Bistro (Knysna), which raised R46 940.
"We at Chatters are so very proud to find ourselves once again in the top 5 fundraisers for StreetSmart nationwide. It just goes to show what a difference a R5 donation per table can make, even in a small town such as Knysna.
Thanks must of course go to all our diners who have supported this initiative, especially those regulars who visit us more than once a week and insist the donation should be added to the bill each time. Thanks must also go to our staff, particularly the front-of-house team, who are all 100% behind StreetSmart and are always happy to answer any questions.
Let's hope we can do even better next year," commented Chatters owner Clare Dixon.
A growing initiative
In addition to the 101 restaurants throughout South Africa where patrons can make a voluntary R5 donation added to their bill, guests at an increasing number of wine tasting rooms, B&Bs, guesthouses and hotels are now able to make a contribution.
All funds raised support organisations working with street children within the area where the establishments are located.
Every cent goes to organisations that support vulnerable children through education, skills training and family reunification, in order to normalise their lives and to reintegrate the kids into society.
"Congratulations to the four Southern Cape restaurants for donating their way into the national top 20 StreetSmart partners! We can all do our bit. So, please join our StreetSmart partner network and give responsibly," said StreetSmart chair Melanie Burke.
Find out more
For more information or to make a donation, contact StreetSmart on 021 447 3227 or info@streetsmartsa.org.za or visit www.streetsmartsa.org.za. Follow them on Twitter and Facebook/StreetSmartSA.
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