Ray White agents hit the streets to sell 400th edition of The Big Issue
The Big Issue has launched its 400th edition today, 15 years after first hitting streets to support homeless, marginalised and disadvantaged people.
To mark the occasion, 30 Ray White estate auctioneers and agents will team up with Big Issue vendors across the country today to sell copies of the magazine.
The Big Issue CEO Steven Persson says the coordinated sales effort on city streets would help raise awareness of the fortnightly magazine, which is sold by people experiencing homelessness, mental illness, disability and long-term unemployment.
“The magazine provides some of Australia’s most disadvantaged people with the opportunity to earn an income – it empowers them by giving them a hand up, not a hand out,” Persson says.
“Our 400th edition is a major milestone and, with the help of some of Australia’s leading auctioneers, we want to create some noise on the streets to spread the word about who we are and what we do.”
Ray White chairman Brian White says his staff are looking forward the opportunity.
“We’re in the business of selling homes and are delighted to support an initiative that gives homeless people the opportunity to earn an income and put a roof over their heads,” White says.
Vendors buy copies of The Big Issue magazine for $2.50 and sell them on the streets for $5, keeping the difference. Since the magazine’s launch in 1996, more than 6 million magazines have been sold, generating more than $13 million in income for vendors.
