William also founded National Poetry Day, the Forward Poetry Prize, the Big Arts Week, and Bedtime Reading Week. He has served as a Trustee at Somerset House, Britdocs, and the Forward Arts Foundation, and is the founder and Chairman of Forward Thinking a charity promoting a more inclusive peace process in the Middle East.
We are delighted that William has also joined the LandAid Patrons Network, and invited him to speak to us about StreetSmart, what the campaign means to him, and how LandAid’s supporters can help boost the fundraising campaign.
Tell us about the founding of StreetSmart, and what the campaign means to you.
One day, over 25 years ago now, in a discussion during a Board Meeting at The Groucho Club, I was challenged by the Board to help the Club do something to support the community where it is based, in Soho.
I remembered an individual who regularly used to sleep rough on the doorstep of the Groucho Club, and saw that as an obvious social issue we could help to address.
At home one evening, an idea came to me. I was always struck by stories of the halfpenny being rounded up, and how much extra money could be generated through a lot of transactions. And this is where the thought of putting a pound on the bill in a restaurant came.
The Groucho Club backed the idea, and so began StreetSmart.
We have always stayed pure to the idea of running the campaign in November and December. It’s a chance for everyone at a time of great need to join together and make an impact.
What’s incredible is that we have raised £12 million since StreetSmart started – all in simple £1 donations. Last year alone, we raised £1 million!
The idea has captivated the nation. All these years on and we’re still in business and restauranteurs support us all over the UK. The restauranteurs should be proud – it’s only through them and their staff that this happens.
What are some key highlights of StreetSmart for you so far?
I’ve been lucky enough to visit the projects that we get to fund. That’s where your heart melts. It’s all very well envisaging the cause; it’s only really when you get to visit the accommodation we support and see people doing remarkable work in challenging circumstances, that it really hits home.
What I’ve learnt is that most people don’t realise how quickly you can become homeless. It’s something I’ve come to understand a lot better through the years. It makes me realise how fragile everyone and everything is.
What are your thoughts on the role business has in taking part in charitable activity and creating social impact?
It’s something more and more and more that companies understand is a crucial part of their DNA. It has to be a part of their corporate behaviour, as much for their own staff to believe in them, as well as the outside world.
If you’re in property, homelessness is already very close to your activities and operations.
What value does LandAid and its support from the property industry bring to StreetSmart?
The best help the property industry can give StreetSmart is to help us to recruit restaurants and hotels. That’s where LandAid’s supporter community can really help us. The network that the property industry has is crucial to us raising more millions in years to come.
What’s your favourite StreetSmart restaurant?
I can’t have a favourite. But for a long time, I was very grateful to Harvey Nichols and Fortnum and Mason – such a top-end organisation to have on board, who raised a staggering sum of money for us.
Although, I do love it when a small family restaurant takes StreetSmart on as well.