The StreetSmart funds were handed over at an event held at Franschhoek Country House.
The donation is part of over R1 million rand awarded nationally for the 4th 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 KZN.
Established in 2006, The Kusasa Project assists Franschhoek children in need by providing support, encouragement and the environment to learn in a safe, stimulating setting. The StreetSmart funds will go towards the salaries of an ad hoc social worker and an auxiliary social worker in 2018.
“The generous donation we received from StreetSmart Franschhoek in 2017 enabled our social workers to provide practical and emotional support to the 150 children (and families) we serve in this community and to ensure a safe and happy environment for all. We applaud StreetSmart’s efforts to raise funds for social and educational upliftment projects in South Africa, and sincerely thank them for partnering with The Kusasa Project!”, says Programme Coordinator Kerstin Kühlcke.
There are currently six establishments in Franschhoek 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 patron’s bill. This donation is voluntary and donors are able to contribute more if they wish to.
Bread & Wine, Foliage, Haute Cabrière, Le Coin Français, Monneaux and The Vine B&B offer their guests the opportunity to give responsibly in their restaurants and guest house, rather than giving handouts directly to children, which inevitably keeps them on the streets.
“Through the generosity of our fundraising 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 R1 million 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.” says Melanie Burke, Chairman of StreetSmart SA.
StreetSmart partner establishments and their guests are generously contributing to making a difference to the lives of vulnerable and street children in their local communities. Nationally this partnership raised R1,120 000.00 during 2017, literally R5 at a time.
StreetSmart SA was set up in 2005 by a group of concerned Capetonians under the patronage of Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu and comprises resourceful board members representing business and the hospitality and tourism industries. Similar StreetSmart organisations also run independently in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, USA – San Francisco and The Netherlands.
StreetSmart SA is registered as a Public Benefit Organisation as well as a Non-profit Organisation and ensures that every cent donated by guests goes towards social and educational upliftment projects for street children. StreetSmart's goal is to be part of the process of social normalisation and to encourage the public not to give money into the hands of a child as this keeps them on the streets. In essence, donating to StreetSmart where you eat, drink and sleep is the responsible way to help a street child.
For more information or to make a donation, contact StreetSmart SA at Tel: +27.214473227 email info@streetsmartsa.org.za or visit www.streetsmartsa.org.za.
Caption 1: l.t.r. Jean-Pierre and Juanita Snyman (Franschhoek Country House Proprietors) with Melanie Burke (StreetSmart Chairman)
Caption 2: l.t.r. Sintu Quza (Kusasa), Melanie Burke (StreetSmart Chairman), Doug Gurr (Kusasa), Kerstin Kühlcke (Kusasa), Leigh Reabow (Kusasa)
Caption 3: l.t.r. Georgie Prout (Glen Carlou), Reinette Retief (StreetSmart SA), Jonathan Snashall (Wine Consultant)
Caption 4: l.t.r. Chef Chris Erasmus (Foliage), Melanie Burke (StreetSmart Chairman); Chef Darren Badenhorst and Jasper Venter (Le coin Français)
Caption 5: l.t.r. Beatrice Kleinsmith (Bread & Wine), Melanie Burke (StreetSmart Chairman); Cloe Hoffman (Bread & Wine)
Photographer: Marlene de Villiers