Bendigo Bank CEO hits the street to sell The Big Issue

Mr Hirst is taking part in The Big Issue’s CEO Selling campaign to celebrate International Vendor Week and shine a spotlight on homeless and disadvantaged vendors, who are working to improve their lives.

"As a bank we understand how money can be used to assist people in need, help communities be successful, and individuals achieve their goals, Mr Hirst said.

"I am pleased to support an initiative that gives homeless people the opportunity to earn an income and, but importantly, to build confidence and their capacity to help themselves.

"I'm looking forward to the challenge, Mr Hirst said.

Vendors buy copies of The Big Issue for $3.50 and sell them for $7, earning a meaningful income.

More than 100 business and government leaders across Australia will show their support by donning The Big Issue fluoro vest and selling copies of the magazine alongside vendors.

The initiative is part of International Vendor Week, which recognises the work of 10,000 people selling street papers around the world.

The week is run by the International Network of Street Papers, which supports 110 street publications in 35 countries.

The Big Issue hopes to boost sales to put $100,000 into vendors' pockets for the edition coinciding with International Vendor Week.

You can get behind the initiative by buying a copy of the magazine from Mr Hirst and their vendor mentor:

Time: 1.00pm 
Date: Monday 6 February 2017 
Location: Outside Bendigo Bank’s Docklands Office, 120 Harbour Esplanade, Melbourne.

The Big Issue CEO, Steven Persson, said buying a copy of The Big Issue supports a vendor’s efforts to make positive changes in their life: it’s a hand up, not a hand out.

"We hope selling The Big Issue alongside prominent business and government leaders will help vendors forge new connections in their community and encourage the public to support their local vendor."

Visit www.thebigissue.org.au for more details and a list of sellers.