Throughout December, customers at GPO and Jo Joes can add $2 onto their bill to donate to StreetSmart - a fresh initiative helping keep young people off the street.

All money raised will go towards Horizon House.

Horizon House chairman Robert Cook said the money would help to care for young people who otherwise would be homeless.

“We look after six young people at Horizon House," he said. 

“This money will enable us to continue to provide those people with clothes, food, schooling and housing.

“The money will also help to run the mobile youth canteen which feeds some of the 300 homeless youth of Bendigo.”

GPO and Jo Joes owner Peter Cavallaro said it was a privilege to be involved in the StreetSmart campaign.

“It is always a privilege to give back to the community,” he said.

“It is important to help those in desperate need.

“Our staff and customers really get behind StreetSmart, with staff often contributing tips and customers always happy to donate to such a worthy cause.

“So far we have raised $5000.

“In the past four years we have done this campaign we have raised a total of $20,000.”

StreetSmart organiser Adam Robinson said StreetSmart restaurants were a great way for people to enjoy a night out, with great food and wine, while doing their little bit for the community.

“StreetSmart Australia was established in 2003 to support and strengthen smaller, grassroots community organisations that helped the homeless and were frustrated by the lack of action and support from government,” he said.

“These smaller organisations, such as Horizon House are crucial in helping many people in crisis.

StreetSmart will continue to run at GPO located at 60-64 Pall Mall Street and Jo Joes at 2-4 High Street until December 31.

merran.reed@fairfaxmedia.com.au