Diners asked to fork out donations in homeless fundraising initiative
People out for a meal will be asked to voluntarily contribute €2 per table to charities working with the homeless. Cork Simon will be the main beneficiary.
The StreetSmart initiative will run at participating restaurants until January 7.
The scheme raises millions in England every year. It was spotted in operation in a London restaurant by Sean Hyde, a 17-year-old student from Glanmire, who decided to introduce it here.
He worked on it as a Transition Year project last year and said he became more aware of issues around homelessness.
“We wanted to do something that would give as many people as possible a means to help out in a small way, but in a way that could make a big difference,” he said.
“I’m appealing to people who will be eating out over the festive season to support the restaurants participating in StreetSmart. We really can make a difference.’’
Café Paradiso is just one of a growing number of restaurants signing up to the scheme. Owner Denis Cotter said he was delighted to take part.
“None of us really knows what it’s like to be homeless. It’s impossible to imagine the loneliness and isolation. This is a simple way for us to acknowledge that and make some contribution to making it a little better. We all have our part to play,” he said.
Cork Simon director Colette Kelleher said StreetSmart would help them reach their €1.8 million fundraising target. “We are pushing our resources to the limit to try and meet the needs of people looking for support,” she said.
Ballymaloe Country Relish is covering all the costs associated with StreetSmart.
Participating restaurants in StreetSmart to date include Ali’s Bistro in Carrigaline, Blair’s Inn in Blarney, Bully’s Restaurant in Douglas, Café Paradiso on Washington Street, Casino House in Kilbrittain, The Crawford Gallery Café, Fenn’s Quay Restaurant in Cork, Fire and Ice Café in Midleton, The Oracle in Clonakilty, and Roberts Cove in Minane Bridge.
