CEO Challenge Puts Spotlight on the Big Issue
1 September 2011 at 12:51 pm
CEOs in Sydney and Melbourne are being asked to swap their business suits for fluoro vests to try their hand at selling The Big Issue magazine to support homeless and disadvantaged people.
The Big Issue ‘Out of Office’ Experience will see CEOs team up with Big Issue vendors at popular city spots during Anti Poverty Week (October 17-21).
The Big Issue CEO Steven Persson says the experience is a unique opportunity for corporate Australia to learn more about how The Big Issue helps homeless, disadvantaged and marginalised men and women around the country.
Persson says that while CEOs are out selling, five fellow colleagues will take part in a ‘corporate classroom’ session, where they will hear from guest speakers, including a vendor, and learn about The Big Issue and the role of social enterprises in addressing some of Australia’s most complex issues.
Through corporate registrations, the fundraiser will help The Big Issue continue to run and expand initiatives to support people suffering from issues including homelessness, disability and long-term unemployment.
Since the launch of the Not for Profit organisation 15 years ago, The Big Issue’s brightly clad vendors have sold more than six million magazines in Australia, earning $13.2 million in income.
Vendors buy the magazine for $2.50 and sell it for $5, keeping the difference.
The Big Issue has also grown to include three other initiatives: The Community Street Soccer Program, The Big Issue Classroom and The Big Issue Women’s Subscription Enterprise to provide opportunities for homeless, disadvantaged and marginalised people to change their lives.
The Big Issue ‘Out of Office’ Experience will be one of several events run by The Big Issue during Anti Poverty Week. Other events include a national celebrity selling campaign and a roundtable lunch in Melbourne to discuss women’s homelessness.
For more information or to register for The Big Issue ‘Out of Office’ Experience, contact Emma O’Halloran on 03 9663 9136 or at eohalloran@bigissue.org.au.
