21-October-2011
Goldstein Media Releases
Federal Member for Goldstein Andrew Robb hit the streets for a good cause Monday 17 October when he joined celebrities and politicians including comedian Josh Thomas and Victorian Minister for Mental Health Mary Wooldridge in becoming “Celebrity Sellers for a Day” for The Big Issue Magazine.
The national event coincided with Anti-Poverty Week, and aimed to raise the profile of the homeless and disadvantaged people who sell the magazine.
The not-for-profit magazine provides an income for people struggling with homelessness, disability, mental illness and long-term unemployment. Vendors buy copies of The Big Issue for $2.50 and sell them for $5, pocketing the difference.
Since its launch in 1996, The Big Issue has sold over six million copies, raising over $13.2 million in revenue for vendors. Over 3,500 disadvantaged people across Australia have been recruited, trained and supported by The Big Issue Street Magazine Enterprise since its inception.
Mr Robb paired up with Big Issue vendor Bryce outside Parliament Station during the morning commuter rush.
It was the second time Mr Robb has participated in the event, who hopes that raising the profile of the magazine and its vendors will boost circulation.
“The Big Issue is a good read for a good deed, and I encourage you to buy a copy next time you see a vendor.”
Photo courtesy ofJessie Brinkman Evans