If you have dined in Cape Town or Franschhoek in the last four years you may have noticed a little card on your table with the name StreetSmart on it.
It took me ages to even read it, but when I did I realized I was donating R5 of my meal to the rehabilitation of street children in Cape Town and Franschhoek.
‘What a great idea’, I thought, ‘I really admire the people who thought of this and put it in motion’. ‘About time’ I thought further and then I ate my meal.
But it’s a fact, there are people out there who have put it in motion and 40 restaurants in the Cape Town and Franschhhoek area give R5 of each bill to this wonderful cause.
Bishop Tutu is involved and recently, so is a man by the name of Jess Meredith-Watts. He and his fiancé moved out from the UK five years ago and found it impossible to ignore the upsetting but real problem of children of all ages begging amongst the traffic.
They have done what many a South African hasn’t and got off their tushes and done something about it by producing
‘On a Plate’. It is a beautiful cookbook that includes delectable 3-course meals by 20 of the countries top restaurants.
Jess didn’t stop there, a big friendly giant with a fondant soft centre, he tried and tested each and every dish in his own kitchen, adamant that it was to be a user’s cookbook as well as a feast for the eyes.
It is a tribute to the restaurants, the children and a lesson in giving. He is donating 100% of the profits to facilitate the growth of StreetSmart nationally.
I am putting in an order for my Christmas presents, you should too, when this limited edition is sold, R1M will be raised and I will rest a little easier knowing that I made a difference.
So dig into those pockets, I know they are a little shallow this year, but it’s for the children… and the excuse to go big in the kitchen.
What’s you genuine Christmas gift?