HEADINGLEY'S SALVO'S SIGNS UP TO STREET SMART CAMPAIGN
5th November 2008

A Headingley restaurant is to bring festive cheer to those who need it most.Salvos has signed up to the Yorkshire Evening Post-backed StreetSmart campaign, which works to help homeless charities through a quick and easy donation system.

At the end of their meal, diners are asked if they would like to add a pound onto their bill.

When the campaign ends on New Year's Eve, all the pounds are totted up and will be shared between four crucial Leeds charities.

Up to 20 Leeds dining spots have so far agreed to join the campaign, with flagship venues such as Harvey Nichols and Casa Mia Grande well and truly on board.

The restaurateurs met at long-established and popular Italian eaterie Salvo's, on Otley Road, Headingley, for the official launch of StreetSmart 2008.

The campaign was declared open on Saturday, November 1, and the donated pounds have already started to pour in.

Michelle Haworth, sales and events co-ordinator at Salvo's, said: "At such a busy time of year for restaurateurs, it is a simple and positive way of raising money for local charities that are close to our hearts. We are hoping to help everyone involved with the Leeds StreetSmart campaign reach their £20,000 target."

Martin Patterson, fundraising director at St George's Crypt, said: "StreetSmart is a really important campaign. Every penny raised and every pound donated goes directly towards helping with the work we and the other three charities are doing here in Leeds."

The last two years have seen Leeds restaurant customers raise nearly £40,000 for homelessness groups.

Every penny donated this year will stay in Leeds, going straight to The St Anne's Centre, St George's Crypt, The Simon Project and Caring for Life, who between them help hundreds of the city's most vulnerable people every year.

The YEP will run a roll of honour with all the restaurants and cafes taking part in the campaign.