R5 may not buy a loaf of bread but it can make a huge difference to the lives of thousands of children. However, while money given to a homeless child may provide some sort of immediate relief, it doesn’t change the fact that he/she is homeless, with little or no chance of changing this in the future.

All we need to do to help is eat out. Street- Smart South Africa, a non-profit organisation under the patronage of Archbishop Desmond Tutu, works with participating restaurants to raise money for established charities with the experience and facilities to help children living on the streets and offer them a viable future. It has raised R1 939 000 to date.

Participating restaurants display a Street- Smart card on the table informing patrons that a voluntary R5 donation will be added to their bill, with the option to give more (or not at all). As Bishop Tutu says, “This is a simple idea resulting in restaurant patrons feeling good about giving, restaurants feeling good about contributing to society and homeless children benefiting.”

Visit www.streetsmartsa.org.za or call
021 418 0621 for participating restaurants,
or ask your favourite restaurant to sign up.