Campbell is The Big Issue’s “original dog person” in Sydney. Over the past seven years he has sold the magazine in the city around the QVB and George Street accompanied by his two canine companions. Last month he moved to Erskineville where he has taken another dog under his wing.
Watching him interact, care and provide for his dogs, it is clear to see that Campbell is a fiercely compassionate and selfless person. “The dogs have to find me; I refuse to support the pet industry.” He acquired one who had been abused by his last owner, leaving it severely malnourished and with a badly damaged leg that required expensive pain killers.
This is a story that he has shared with many while selling the magazine and has even been offered donations to help with costs but he refuses to take them because “he’s not my begging dog. If you really want to help me, this is how you help me. Buy The Big Issue off me fortnightly. I would rather that you bought it off me fortnightly.”
Before he had the misfortune of experiencing homelessness, Campbell worked as a bush regenerator. He was saving money to start his own business as a bush regenerator but homelessness threw a spanner into that plan. “I didn’t think I would be on the street for two years, I thought six months at most. Two years later I’d lost everything.” Working at The Big Issue helps him raise funds for the things he values most. “My money goes on my dogs and living expenses.”
