More people in British Columbia will be able to dine with a conscience and feed the hungry this holiday season with the expansion of StreetSmart Canada. November 1 – December, 2014
So far this year, 23 restaurants in Vancouver have signed up to partner with the charity—giving guests an opportunity to make a donation of a few dollars to the local food bank when paying their bill. Restaurants include Provence Marinaside, Lupo, España, The Fat Badger, Frankie’s Italian Kitchen & Bar, Fable, La Cigale French Bistro, The Fish House in Stanley Park, Hamilton Street Grill, Chamber, and all four Milestones in Vancouver.
This year, StreetSmart is also expanding to Whistler, Kelowna, Mission, Hope and Quesnel. StreetSmart was first established in London, England in 1998. It expanded to Vancouver in 2012 and to Victoria, Toronto and Kingston last year. To date, there are 50 participating restaurants across Canada.
“Most people think about what they want to eat, not whether they will eat. In November and December—a time when people are in the spirit of giving—people are encouraged to dine at a StreetSmart participating restaurant. When they are there, they can make a donation by adding a few dollars to their bill. One-hundred-percent of every dollar donated in Vancouver goes to the Greater Vancouver Food Bank (GVFB) with all expenses covered through sponsorship,” said Ron Josephson, Founder and Chairman of StreetSmart Canada.
Last year, StreetSmart raised $7,500 through 23 Vancouver restaurants for the GVFB, double the amount raised in 2012 when only 11 restaurants were involved. The food bank provides assistance to more than 28,000 people weekly through 15 food depots and over 100 community agencies located in Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster and North Vancouver.
“We are excited to see the return of StreetSmart again this year,” said Aart Schuurman Hess, CEO, GVFB. “Every dollar we receive enables us to purchase three dollars’ worth of food, so the generous contributions of StreetSmart diners goes a long way in helping families in need throughout the holiday season.”
The success of StreetSmart in Canada and around the world proves that a simple idea can have a huge impact in a community. For a list of participating restaurants or to become a participating restaurant visit StreetSmart Canada.
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