.: StreetSmart hands over R1 million in aid of Cape Town’s vulnerable children

Time for the Annual StreetSmart Cape Town Handover Event with Thank Yous to the restaurants, accommodation venues and wine tasting venues in the Western Cape, Garden Route, Gauteng and KZN, the volunteers, workers and the many other people who have contributed to the R1.7 million rand raised nationally this year. It is an amazing amount, raised by just adding R5 to your bill so, if you contribute, the Thank You is also for you. StreetSmart ensures that every cent donated by you goes towards social and educational upliftment projects for street children, helping them to rebuild their lives. StreetSmart raises its own funds for administration

Melanie Burke the Chairman of StreetSmart SA, which is a Non Profit organisation, told us that they are able to continue to expand their national footprint. R1.05 million was handed over to the Cape Town beneficiaries at this event raised by the 33 local establishments. And they will be disbursing over R1 million to beneficiaries nationally enabling them to support 35 programmes. And all from donations of R5 a time. She extended invitations to other restaurants, accommodation establishments and wine tasting venues to join StreetSmart in their local areas and become part of this great initiative. For information on how to make a donation or join the programme by emailing to info@streetsmartsa.org.za or visit ing www.streetsmartsa.org.za

Keynote speaker of the evening was broadcaster Africa Melane, whom many will know from Cape Talk and Radio 702. He was delighted to announce that he is committed to the work of StreetSmart and will be joining StreetSmart on their Board. He reminded us that President Mandela said that Street children are a testimony to an unfinished job. He said we have the best constitution and the best laws, but we are just not implementing them. Why are 100 000 of our children not going to school when we have compulsory education? Lots of money is spent on them later in life at higher education, but we need to spend it early, while they are young, to give them a future

Certificates are awarded to the top restaurants and venues. StreetSmart Cape Town has selected the following beneficiaries for 2019: Cape Town Multi Service Centre, Home from Home (Masiphumulele, Ocean View and Westlake), Learn to Live, Ons Plek, School of Hope, The Homestead, TLC Outreach Projects and Zip Zap Circus

and to volunteers for the work they have done

and to the staff

Retiring members of the Board were also given recognition and certificates. Margi Biggs on the Left is the founder of StreetSmart. It was set up by a group of concerned Capetonians under the patronage of Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu in 2005. Similar StreetSmart organisations also run independently in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the Netherlands. She retires from the Board this year as does Leonard Hersch. They were thanked for their invaluable contribution

And we heard from some of the children who have been helped by one of the organisations supported by StreetSmart. Their lives have been changed and improved by the work the organisations are doing

Angelo Casu, owner of Grand Dédale Country House and keen cyclist, has raised R30 000 with his partner by getting people to sponsor them riding the Cape Epic and other endurance races

Richard Chamberlain of Out of this Planet Catering donates the canapés to the event
and they were very good. Steak with spicy aioli on a crisp biscuit base