Doubling vendor income for The Big Issue Vendor Week

The Big Issue’s annual Vendor Week took place last month, with The Big Issue vendors earning more than double their regular earnings. 

Thanks to Ready24, and the 1,200 REA Group customers who came together from across the country, $400,000 was raised for organisations working to end homelessness, with $100,000 going direct to The Big Issue’s annual Vendor Week. 

This year, Vendor Week was celebrated with a 2-for-1 offer, where vendors could buy two magazines for the price of one – putting twice the amount of earnings in their pockets throughout the campaign. 

The campaign is also a way to share stories of The Big Issue vendors and their dedication, strength and resilience. Being a vendor is not easy, but rain, hail or shine, vendors meet their community and work hard every day to change their lives. 

13,000 copies of The Big Issue magazine were sold during Vendor Week, resulting in an income of $90,000 for Vendors – that’s 40% more magazines sold than in a standard week. 

“The Big Issue plays a critical role in supporting and creating work opportunities for people experiencing homelessness, marginalisation and disadvantage, said Steven Persson, CEO of The Big Issue. 

“Simply put, we help people help themselves.” 

“Our work thrives with the help of our community, and we thank REA Group and Ready24 for their support”. 

And this goes far beyond the magazine we all know. 

The organisation also runs social enterprises including the Women’s Workforce and The Big Issue Classroom, as well as the Community Street Soccer Program. 

People come to The Big Issue from a wide range of circumstances, including homelessness, long-term unemployment, intellectual and physical disability, mental illness, drug and alcohol dependency and family breakdown.  

The Big Issue programs provide low-barrier opportunities for people to earn a meaningful income, build their confidence and connect with their community and support networks. 

Learn more about The Big Issue and how you can get involved at thebigissue.org.au.  

The Big Issue returns as a Community Partner for Ready25.