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StreetSmart: Campaign raises £45,000 for Leeds homeless
CASH ON A PLATE: From left, back, Brian Hendlesby, (Teen Challenge), Darren Percival, (Harvey Nichols), Thanos Dimou (Harvey Nichols), Katherine Busby (Harvey Nichols), Paul Cunliffe (Harvey Nichols), Sharon Swales (Create), Alan Cass (Create), front, Cheryl Harrington, (St Georges Crypt), Liz Brownnutt (Caring For Life), George Psarais (The Olive Tree) and Julie Harrington, (Create).
Supporters of an annual campaign that collects cash for the homeless during winter have helped raise £45,000.
A record £22,863 was donated to the YEP-backed fundraiser StreetSmart in Leeds over November and December – almost £1,000 more in 2010.
And the tidy sum will now be doubled thanks to the Government pledging to match funds.
It was a fitting tribute to the city that in 2010 raised more than any other city in England outside of London.
Campaign manager for Leeds, Rachel McAlley said: “What an incredible year 2011 has been for StreetSmart in Leeds – it has been the best year to date with over £22,000 raised.
“It amazes me every time just how much support we have, that people still find £1 to give to others when financially most of us are feeling the pinch.
“I can’t thank the customers and diners enough, while the restaurants each deserve a medal for all their hard work and for generating such a staggering amount.
“It’s great to know every penny raised in Leeds will stay in Leeds and now go directly to helping those working with the homeless.”
Customers eating at participating StreetSmart restaurants were asked to donate £1 per table at the end of their meal.
Proceeds this year will go to five local charities – Caring for Life, Simon on the Streets, St George’s Crypt, Teen Challenge and Create.
Every penny goes to charity thanks to sponsors The Deutsche Bank, which covers all costs. The match-funding will come from the Office for Civil Society, taking the total to £45,727.
Taking part in StreetSmart Leeds 2011 were: Salvo’s and Salvo’s Salumeria in Headingley; the Olive Tree at Rodley, Chapel Allerton and Far Headingley; Deeva in Farsley; La Rosa in Pudsey; Create, Chino Latino and Fourth Floor Cafe at Harvey Nichols in Leeds.
Leeds joined the StreetSmart scheme in 2004 and has since raised £156,000.
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