Last night, supporters of the charity StreetSmart gathered at Parrillan near London Bridge to mark an historic milestone for the annual fundraiser that tackles homelessness across the UK.

For the first time in its 25-year history the campaign topped the £1 million mark with diners each contributing £1 per table during the Christmas period at 610 participating restaurants, pubs and hotels. 

Restaurants including Fallow, The Fat Duck, The River Café and Manteca were joined by the eateries in Selfridges and Harvey Nichols to help raise the record amount of £1,059,000. Diners at The Art School in Liverpool, Harbour House in Bristol and Celentano’s in Glasgow contributed thousands of pounds to help homeless people in their cities.

Jimi Famurewa, Chief Restaurant critic at The Evening Standard was proud of the industry’s efforts saying: “StreetSmart is an integral, treasured component of the dining scene. Each year, the best restaurants take part to help those caught up in the misery of homelessness and it remains a vital, simple way to pay the spirit and generosity of a great meal forward. 

The altruism of restaurateurs and their diners has achieved a truly great result that will help make a lasting difference to so many lives.”

StreetSmart has the support of 60 Michelin starred restaurants across the country including Mana in Manchester who said: “The team at Mana are keen to work with StreetSmart every winter. We are proud of our quiet corner of Manchester, but it does not shelter us from the reality of homelessness.

 We feel a responsibility to promote such a meaningful cause, knowing that real action is being taken to improve lives.”

StreetSmart has now raised over £13 million since its foundation and 100% of what is raised goes to help those in need as the campaign costs are covered by StreetSmart’s partner LandAid. 

LandAid is the property industry charity, working to end youth homelessness in the UK. They bring the property industry together to support charities delivering life-changing services for young people who are or have been homeless, or who are at risk of homelessness in the future.

 Through a unique network of corporate partners, we invest funding and expertise where we can achieve lasting impact.

Alice Lamb, Deputy Chief Executive at LandAid, said: “Sadly, we know that this support needed now more than ever with 135,800 young people facing homelessness last year alone. The funds raised will enable projects that bring both relief and security to 16-25 year olds across the UK. 

This means they can focus their energy on building a brighter future for themselves, as opposed to worrying where they are going to safely sleep each night.”  

Kimberley Coke, Comms Director at StreetSmart concludes: “‘We are absolutely delighted to have hit the 1 million landmark and keen to thank all the brilliant restaurateurs and their staff who took part and surpassed our expectations given the tough times faced by the industry.

This money will change the lives of so many young people facing homelessness and I couldn’t be prouder with the result.”