Small Change Campaign Helps the Homeless
28 April 2011 at 2:35 pm
Small Not for Profit organisations assisting the homeless across Australia will benefit from a campaign that sees micro-donations as life savers.
StreetSmart Australia has announced the results of its 2010-11 ‘dine out to help out’ campaign which raised $420,914 – a record year.
The success of this campaign means StreetSmart has now raised and distributed $1,600,914 supporting a total of 362 projects to homeless organisations around Australia.
StreetSmart describes itself as a unique bridge between the community and small, grassroots agencies that assist people experiencing homelessness.
Organisers say the outcome shows the power of a $2 micro donation which has the ability to change lives.
A record 260 restaurants across VIC, NSW, QLD, SA and ACT participated in the campaign. The National Fundraiser of the Year award as well as the Fundraiser of the Year for NSW was Lowenbrau Keller who raised $15,377 closely followed by other participants in NSW including Cafe Sydney, Longrain and Wildfire. Richmond Hill Cafe and Larder took out first prize in Victoria raising $10,788 and Mecca Bah Emporium Brisbane in QLD raised $10,496.
As a result, StreetSmart says it will fund 88 grassroots projects across VIC, NSW/ACT, QLD and SA that are delivering aid as well as longer term innovative initiatives helping to move people out of homelessness.
It says 100% of funds raised through participating restaurants go to homeless organisations – with the majority of the grant recipients located in the same area as the restaurants and all administrative costs to run StreetSmart are covered through sponsorship and volunteer efforts.
Through the months of November and December, both restaurateurs and diners showed overwhelming support for the cause by adding an extra $2 or more, to their dining bill and also through online donations and one off events.
Tim Costello, CEO World Vision and Patron of StreetSmart Australia says StreetSmart’s 2010-11 results are impressive.
He says they are a small yet significant organisation supporting some of the smallest Not for Profit organisations and helping some of the most vulnerable Australians.
For full details on the campaign go to : www.streetsmartaustralia.org
