The Big Issue launches Winter Appeal for vendors in the face of ongoing restrictions, severe weather warnings and predictions of 25% absenteeism at workplaces

Lord Bird, Founder of The Big Issue, is calling for people to buy from their local vendor, subscribe or donate at a challenging time for the organisation and its vendor network

Today (Wednesday, 5^th January) Lord John Bird, Founder of The Big Issue has called upon the public to support the network of Big Issue vendors by buying from local vendors, subscribing or donating to an appeal.

The crossbench peer has appealed to the public, after an incredibly tough 2021 for the organisation and its 1,800 vendors, saying: “January is always a difficult time, but with continued restrictions in place, meaning many people are still working from home, coupled with the Government warning that we may see up to a quarter of workers being off work due to high Covid levels in the population, means that our vendors urgently need your support.”

You can buy the magazine from your local vendor but if you can’t reach a local magazine seller, you can support the organisation and vendors with a four-week subscription.

You can either subscribe by taking out a subscription from your local vendor via the Vendor Map – 50% of net profits go directly to the vendors – or you can subscribe directly with The Big Issue to ensure that the organisation can be there for its vendors both now and in the future.

Alternatively, you can donate to The Big Issue’s Winter Appeal to support the organisation’s crucial work with vendors.

Lord John Bird, Founder of The Big Issue, said: “Big Issue vendors can’t work from home and with severe weather warnings on the cards, they face a very tough and uncertain Winter ahead.

“Please buy from your local vendor and if you can’t, please buy a subscription or donate today, your money will go to supporting our work with vendors.”

For more information visit www.bigissue.com/support.