Globetrotter’s Rory Wilson took to the streets of Melbourne on 18 October with The Big Issue vendor Mac. During Anti-Poverty Week (Oct 17-21, 2011) The Big Issue invited CEOs to turn on their ‘out of office’ for a few hours and try their hand at selling The Big Issue magazine on the streets.

Originally from NZ, Mac has worked for The Big Issue since 2010. Until recently he has been sleeping rough but is now housed and seeing a counsellor to help overcome his gambling addiction which developed after a relationship breakdown.

Rory’s Big Issue experience :

“It’s 8.40 in the morning and I am standing in a fluoro vest on the corner of Collins and Elizabeth streets, Melbourne with my official Big Issue badge and cap ready to start selling. I am working with Mac today a well established vendor who fell across hard times and is taking the initiative to work hard and get back on his feet again. Swathes of people cross Collins Street with their head down and eyes averted; we are invisible to most as they have their blinkers on. In the 20 minutes we are selling Mac tells me his story and how he is now so used to sleeping on the streets it no longer phases him. A qualified carpet layer with no permanent residence and no tools Mac is unable to get work in his trade but is taking the steps to save up for what he needs to join the full time working community. In the time we are selling together we sell 11 copies of the publication, 5 of these were to Globetrotter colleagues so of the hundreds of people who pass us only 6 buy a magazine! Mac tells me the most likely to buy are those with the least so students and pensioners. Everyone seems so focussed on avoiding The Big Issue vendors they forget about the individuals and the issues behind it.

This was without a doubt one of the most eye opening experiences I have ever had. The Big Issue helps the homeless and long term unemployed, many who have come through substance abuse and domestic violence problems. These people are working to get back on their feet again (50% of the cost goes to the vendor to help them rebuild their lives). Next time you are about to walk past a Big Issue vendor stop and have a chat so you can see the person standing there and what they are doing for themselves and for the wider community.”