Tuesday 16 September 2008

Let Sleeping Dogs Lie

This napping canine is a regular feature of the High Street, along with his owner. They (well, the human) sell The Big Issue outside Marks & Spencers.

For those that don't know, The Big issue is an entertainment and culture magazine produced by professional journalists and sold by homeless people. They buy the magazine from The Big Issue Foundation for 70 pence, sell it for £1.50 and keep the 80 pence profit. The idea is to encourage homeless people to become vendors and earn a small wage, instead of begging for money. The publication was started in 1991 as a response to the many homeless people in London. It was initially published monthly, but by 1993 the magazine was produced weekly. The Big Issue is well known for the famous faces that appear on the front cover, and the up-to-the-minute interviews and articles. Find more about The Big Issue here.

16 comments:

Anonymous said...

I am a big fan of Big Issue. I didn't know about it when I arrived in the UK but now I know the philosophy behind it and have read it, I encourage everyone, visitors and locals to buy it. Thanks Marley for introducing it to everyone. Anything and everything that helps one's self esteem is a plus in my view.

Jane Hards Photography said...

No Big Issue here, but I remeber it well from across. I'm with Mo. I'm a big fan of the ethos of it, and too would encourage passers by to buy a copy or several. Beautiful image of the shaggy dog.

Virginia said...

What a wonderful idea. Wish our people without homes could have that oppotunity. I too wish I could purchase one every day. Your pooch is adorable.

Hilda said...

If he were white, he could've been our dog — hairy and sleeping for more than half the day. ;)

I like the idea behind the magazine. I should keep my eyes open for a copy here. Metro Manila has a lot of 'informal' street vendors, most of whom live in squatters' areas. They sell everything from candies and snacks to cigarettes and newspapers.

Rob said...

Love the sleeping dog. sound advise, let him lie. This Big Issue deal sounds like a great idea. That's iniciative, get people working to help support themselves.

magiceye said...

excellent enterprise for assisting the homeless!

Gerald (Ackworth born) said...

£1.50 now - oops - that shows how long ago it is since I bought one - used to be £1 - ok - consciounce (typo) pricked.

Jilly said...

Great dog. Love the photo. The dogs who walk the streets with guys and girls who sell The Big Issue - we have the same thing in France with a different name. I love these dogs. They put up with so much. Here the vets don't charge the 'street people' who have dogs. I love that too.

Tanya Breese said...

Now that's one tired little pooch, looks alot like Benji!
Kudos to Big Issue!

Lori said...

He looks so worn out. I hope he got a good rest! They used to have a similar publication here that was sold by the homeless. I don't think it lasted though. Too bad. It seems like a great idea.

Petrea Burchard said...

The photo is what captured me, but the story's so interesting. Is it working? Are the people making enough money for it to be a real enterprise for them? I hope so.

As in Menton (per Jilly) I hear some veterinarians here in the Los Angeles Area don't charge the homeless people when caring for their pets.

Ken Mac said...

that poochie looks puckered out! I wish we had the Big Issue in NYC.

brian stout said...

what a great idea for a magazine and a program to help the homeless! and what a cute little dog too! he looks tired....

Ming the Merciless said...

Poor doggie! He had a hard day...sniffing butts and scratching parts. :-)

Hey, it rhymes.

Neva said...

wow..I had no idea....it must work if it is so popular...Love the dog....

• Eliane • said...

We have something similar here in NYC. I forgot the title of it. In Belgium we have something like this too. We would always buy one when shopping at Delhaize. And then one day, the smilling Chinese guy who used to greet everybody with a smile while selling his newspaper disappeared. He found a job. :)

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