Australian business leaders and executives will become Big Issue vendors today, selling the street magazine as part of The Big Issue’s inaugural event, The Big Sell.

The Big Sell is a brand new, online fundraising campaign created by The Big Issue to raise much needed funds to continue supporting vendors across Australia. Businesses across Australia have signed on to fundraise for The Big Issue, and once they meet their fundraising goals are invited to take to the streets and step into the shoes of The Big Issue vendors.

Over the past two years The Big Issue vendors have faced challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic. Lockdowns and restrictions have impacted vendors’ ability to earn a meaningful income. Whilst vendors nationally have returned to street selling, they have returned to starkly different street corners with decreased foot traffic.

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

“Despite facing some enormous challenges, the resilience our vendors continue to show is truly humbling. They turn up to work on streets across Australia selling The Big Issue magazine, day in, day out, and unlike most of us, do so without knowing how much they’ll be rewarded for their effort.

“Whilst the past two years have been tough on us all, there’s possibly no group who’ve done it tougher than our vendors.

“To ensure we can continue supporting those who need it most, we’ve launched The Big Sell – our first major fundraising campaign. Coming together for this event is an incredible display of support for those experiencing homelessness, marginalisation and disadvantage.”

Participating in The Big Sell will help The Big Issue continue to help vendors help themselves for another 25 years and beyond. Donations 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 around the world.