On June 16 we will be celebrating our 18th Birthday. Also in June we will be marking the sale of our nine-millionth magazine! It is clear that, without you, we would not be able to pursue our goal of supporting and creating job opportunities for homeless, marginalised and disadvantaged people.
The Big Issue editor, Alan Attwood, sums it up nicely, explaining: “The magazine has been a great success because it gives people meaningful work and the opportunity to reconnect with the community.”
Modelled on the UK Big Issue in 1996, the not-for-profit social enterprise started in Melbourne and has had over 4,500 people selling the magazine.
There are currently more than 500 vendors nationally, 75 in NSW, generating an honest income by buying the magazine for $3 and selling it on the street for $6.
The Big Issue is more than the magazine, however, with initiatives such as the Women’s Subscription Enterprise and Street Soccer also assisting those needing some help.
Nevertheless, none of this would be possible without your support. So to all our customers, both regular and new, we would like to thank you for your support. You are integral to rebuilding vendors’ confidence and pride, and growing their self-worth.
