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Australians take to the streets for The Big Issue

Menchie Khairuddin March 28, 2023

2 min read

People all around Australia becoming vendors of The Big Issue magazine as part of The Big Issue’s annual fundraising event, The Big Sell.

The Big Sell is an online fundraising campaign created to raise much-needed funds for The Big Issue to continue supporting vendors across Australia. During the month of March individuals, teams and organisations have been raising funds for The Big Issue, and once they meet their fundraising goals get to step into the shoes of The Big Issue vendors and sell the iconic street magazine.

While vendors are back selling on streets nationally, vendors have returned to strikingly different circumstances. Decreasing foot traffic and cost-of-living pressures have significantly impacted their ability to earn a meaningful income.

The Big Issue CEO Steven Persson said there has never been a more important time to support The Big Issue vendors.

“To ensure we can continue supporting those who need it most, The Big Sell is back for another year. The support from The Big Sell 2022 allowed vendors to collectively earn an additional $70,000 through a special 2-for-1 magazine offer, and we hope to have an even bigger impact this year,” said Persson.

“It’s important that our communities come together to continue supporting our vendors, who in my eyes have one of the toughest jobs out there. Their resilience and motivation are astounding.”

Donations to The Big Sell can be made to support fundraisers or the campaign at thebigsell.org.au.

In Australia, more than 800 vendors sell The Big Issue magazine each year. Vendors purchase copies of the magazine for $4.50 and sell them for $9, earning a meaningful income.

Vendors are currently selling a special Vendor Week edition, celebrating vendors and their stories from street papers here and around the world.

“I look forward to welcoming our successful fundraisers onto the street to see what it’s really like to be a vendor and sell The Big Issue magazine. I can guarantee it’s no easy task!”

Menchie Khairuddin

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Menchie Khairuddin is a writer Deputy Content Manager at Akolade and content producer for Third Sector News. She is passionate about social affairs specifically in mixed, multicultural heritage and not-for-profit organisations.