For more than two decades, close to a thousand restaurants across Australia have encouraged diners to tip a little extra – just $2 – in December to help support those experiencing homelessness. Now amid Australia’s housing shortage, demand on an already underfunded homelessness sector has never been higher – making every dollar raised by Australian not-for-profit organisation Streetsmart count even more.
As of June last year, nearly 170,000 Aussie households were on the waitlist for public housing — up 8 per cent in the last 10 years. Thankfully, the annual December Dinesmart fundraising program is dedicated to investing in impactful grassroots organisations caring for those sleeping rough, at risk of homelessness or without a safe place to call home. Last year’s initiative alone raised nearly $150,000, supporting over 5000 people in need.
It’s this kind of impact – and the simplicity of the program – that keeps restaurants signing up year after year. Commune Group, which runs Melbourne favourites like Firebird, Moonhouse, Tokyo Tina, Studio Amaro and more, is just one of many returning restaurants and hospo groups, having partnered with Dinesmart for the last 10 years.
“It’s just such a nice way to help give back to the local community over what is typically a very busy period of time,” says Rob Gringlas, the group’s Managing Director.
With many of the group’s restaurants based in and around St Kilda and Chapel Street, Gringlas and his staff often encounter those who might be disadvantaged or sleeping rough. The disparity of the area’s demographic also means there are plenty of diners looking to eat out with friends and family over the festive period – making December, the busiest time of year for any restaurant, the right time to implement the program.
“A lot of this stuff comes to light over December, when everyone is celebrating with their family and friends,” Gringlas says. “It’s so sad to see the people who don’t have homes, and don’t have the ability to really enjoy that period. December is just a good time to take the opportunity to give back.”
To help make a difference, restaurants just need to sign up to the program, take a few minutes to explain to staff what the charity is and how to implement it, and then encourage diners to add a $2 donation to their bill when dining at participating venues throughout the month. It’s really that simple.
While $2 might not seem like enough to make a difference, Gringlas has seen that $2 multiplied across tables, seating times, restaurants and days of the month – resulting in a total that can truly make an impact. Funds raised are then distributed to various community organisations – including those dedicated to crisis intervention, providing food and housing, and even those who help integrate people back into the workforce. Plus, donations always stay local – so that you can see the benefits around the area.
Commune Group and other restaurants’ fundraising efforts last year helped contribute to over 30 grassroots charities such as the Merri Outreach Support Service, which provides packs for people sleeping rough with essentials like sleeping bags, toiletries, clothing, and food, along with The Big Umbrella Foundation, which gives free meals, food, and material aid services for those in need, including women, children, students and families.
If you’re dining as a group, you’ll only need to add $2 to the entire bill to take part – and Gringlas says at Commune Group restaurants, you can still split it afterwards. Of course, you can also add more if you’re able and in the spirit of giving.
“Typically people are happy to do it,” Gringlas says. “A lot of the time people just split the bill evenly so it works quite well. The staff like doing it too as they like to feel they’re part of something bigger than just working in the restaurant every single day; they like to feel part of an initiative that allows us to raise money to give back to the community.”
He says the beauty of Dinesmart is that it’s a fun and simple way to support those at risk , without doing much more than just enjoying a meal out.
“As a restaurant group we really want to do whatever we can to support the local community, and at times that can be difficult,” Gringlas adds. “It’s a very positive impact on our business.”
Dinesmart 2024 runs from December 1 to 31, at over 60 participating restaurants. Find your nearest DineSmart venue here
Broadsheet is a proud media partner of Dinesmart.