One child at a time: StreetSmart digs deep to change lives

StreetSmart SA is registered as a public benefit organisation as well as a non-profit organisation. It was set up in 2005 by a group of concerned Capetonians under the patronage of Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu.

The NGO comprises resourceful board members representing business and the hospitality and tourism industries.

Similar StreetSmart organisations also run independently in the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and The Netherlands.

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STREETSMART’S MAIN VISION

The organisation is dedicated to changing street children’s lives. This is done by supporting intervention programmes through donations from hospitality venues in the Western Cape, Garden Route and Gauteng.

However, with the hospitality industry decimated by the COVID-19 pandemic, StreetSmart had to find supplementary sources of income to continue changing lives, one child at a time.

Through sheer resourcefulness, StreetSmart still managed to raise R780,000 nationally.

Making a difference in 2022

The continued generosity of their fundraising partners during 2021, as well as generous donations from private donors and CSI initiatives, ensured that StreetSmart are able to help more than 2,000 vulnerable children and their families in 2022.

Despite the economic fallout from the ongoing pandemic, our fundraising partners have continued to fly the StreetSmart flag, enabling their patrons to continue giving to this most worthy of causes. Despite the intense hardships experienced by all, and our hospitality partners in particular, our partners have continued to show resilience, resourcefulness and concern for the communities in which they operate.

“The board of StreetSmart SA and its administrative staff would like to thank our fundraising partners, their patrons, as well as all our beneficiary programmes for their part in making a difference in the lives of the children. We look forward to many more years in these relationships of giving and supporting those who need it most.”

– StreetSmart SA chairman Zaid Adams

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THE IMPACT THE ORGANISATION HAS MADE

In the greater Cape Town area, StreetSmart raised R525,000 for their nine beneficiaries.

The funds raised help these local organisations in retaining aftercare teachers. They also helped them get outreach workers, skills training instructors, and social and auxiliary social workers working with vulnerable children.

“We are privileged to work with StreetSmart and cannot do what we do for our children without them. We wish StreetSmart only the best and thank them for allowing Learn to Live to join them on this journey,” says Tony Austen, principal of Learn to Live School of Skills at The Salesian Institute Youth Projects.

In addition, funds are raised by StreetSmart partners who add a donation to their patrons’ bills. This donation is voluntary and donors are able to contribute as much as they wish. 

Currently, there are 20 establishments in Cape Town. This has been achievable through giving their guests the opportunity to be real change-makers in their own communities.

“Aubergine is grateful to StreetSmart for providing a simple and easy way to contribute towards children in need. Thank you for the relentless work that you are doing for the children. It is a great honour to be able to assist you in your mission,” says Harald Bresselschmidt, chef-owner of Aubergine Restaurant in Cape Town.

For more information or to make a donation, contact StreetSmart SA at 021 447 3227; e-mail info@streetsmartsa.org.za or visit their website here

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