Sam Fender has partnered with The Big Issue this December, to release an exclusive cover in aid of the poverty charity.
Advertised as ‘A hand up, not a hand out’, The Big Issue was launched in September of 1991, by John Bird and Gordon Roddick. This weekly street newspaper covers topics like entertainment, and current affairs, and provides jobs to those in poverty. Street vendors are able to purchase the publication and sell them for profit to members of the public. However, COVID-19 has meant that fewer people are carrying cash, and even fewer are supporting The Big Issue street vendors by purchasing the magazine.
The Big Issue allows people in poverty to work and support themselves. Because of the coronavirus pandemic, this Christmas is going to be more challenging than ever for their street vendors.
Sam Fender has partnered with The Big Issue, where fans can purchase a limited edition cover this Christmas. Additionally, Fender Fender has launched exclusive merchandise bundles, including hoodies, posters, and masks. All profits will go to The Big Issue, and their new Vendor Support Fund, to provide direct assistance to people who work for the charity. This will include providing food vouchers, meter top-ups, and other emergency financial aid.
“Christmas this year is very challenging for the men and women who sell The Big Issue. Local lockdowns in England, Scotland, and Wales have taken hundreds of Big Issue vendors off the streets, hammering their chance to make an income. Vendors normally buy The Big Issue for half the cover price then sell it on the street. The difference is their income. For almost 30 years The Big Issue has helped thousands of the most vulnerable and marginalised people in society to work their way out of poverty. They had a hand up, not a handout. Covid has had a critical impact on this.
To beat this crisis The Big Issue has set up an essential Vendor Support Fund. This allows direct support to go to these vulnerable men and women. The support includes food vouchers, meter top-ups, and other emergency financial aid. The Big Issue staff also provides ongoing social and emotional support and connects vendors to other services and support they might need. Proceeds from this special Sam Fender edition will go to The Big Issue to help them build the Vendor Support Fund and to help them as an organisation carry on through difficult days now, and in the future.
It is clear that a need for The Big Issue is not going to disappear.”
– The Big Issue
