CEOs to sell The Big Issue

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Sydney business leaders are among more than 100 senior executives selling street magazine The Big Issue next week. The national campaign will shine a spotlight on the magazine’s homeless and disadvantaged vendors, who are working to improve their lives.

Airbnb Country Manager Australia and New Zealand Sam McDonagh, Perpetual CEO and Managing Director Geoff Lloyd and Sydney Swans CEO Andrew Ireland are hitting the streets of Sydney from 6-10 February.

They join high-profile sellers around the country including ABN Group Managing Director Dale Alcock, ANZ CEO Shayne Elliott, PwC Australia CEO Luke Sayers and Telstra CEO Andrew Penn.

The initiative celebrates International Vendor Week, which raises awareness for the 10,000 people who sell street papers in 35 countries around the world.

Sydney sellers include: Sam McDonagh, Airbnb Country Manager Australia and New Zealand, selling on the corner of Elizabeth and Foveaux Streets on Tuesday 7 February at 8.45am. Andrew Ireland, Sydney Swans CEO, selling at Taylor Square, Oxford St on Tuesday 7 February at 12.30pm. Lisa George, Global Head, Macquarie Group Foundation, selling at 50 Martin Place on Wednesday 8 February at 12pm. Richard Lindley, Realview CEO, selling on the corner of Park and George Streets on Thursday 9 February at 4.30pm. Geoff Lloyd, Perpetual CEO and Managing Director, selling at 123 Pitt St on Friday 10 February at 12.30pm.

In Australia, The Big Issue magazine has provided opportunities for homeless and disadvantaged people to earn an income for more than 20 years. Vendors buy copies of the magazine for $3.50 and sell them to the public for $7, earning a meaningful income.

The Big Issue CEO Steven Persson said teaming up with business leaders highlighted vendors’ work to improve their lives.

“More than 500 vendors sell The Big Issue around Australia and they are working to earn an income. Vendors buy copies of the magazine in advance for half the cover price, so every sale puts money directly in a vendor’s pocket. We hope selling alongside prominent business leaders will help vendors forge new connections in their community and encourage the public to support their local vendor,” he said.

The Big Issue hopes to boost sales to put $100,000 into vendors’ pockets for the edition coinciding with International Vendor Week.