What’s The Issue?

The other day I treated myself to a magazine.

I remember getting the Big Issue when I lived in the U.K., and I’ve bought it from time to time here.
It’s an initiative started in London, which has spread out to other countries – as you can see, 25 years in Australia!
Vendors come from the homeless community, or are otherwise vulnerable or marginalised. They buy the magazines, then sell them for a profit, and the money earned can make a big difference. It’s a job, and a chance to get a step up by their own endeavour.
The magazine itself? It’s professionally written and printed – not a “pity” purchase, and well worth the price.
The vendor in our city sits outside the library. At the moment it’s cold, and sometimes wet – the wind whistles through the area and can make it feel colder still. It’s the best place to catch foot traffic here, though.
Most major cities, and some smaller ones, will have vendors somewhere on the street.
The magazine is published fortnightly, so there’s probably still time to pick up the celebration issue.
If not – do yourself a favour and get the next one.
It’s a good read!