The Big Issue Foundation
Doing my small bit for charity every now and again helps keep me grounded and realise that no matter how bad things are in my life at any given time, things can be, and are, so much worse for others around the world.
The Big Issue Foundation is the fundraising arm of the Big Issue – the magazine sold by homeless people and those that are trying to get back on their feet after things have taken a turn for the worse in their life. When I got a call from one of my contacts at TBIF asking if I could help out by photographing all of their staff and Trustees and also getting some behind the scenes shots of how the company works, I knew the answer to their question straight away – YES!
I spent a great day with the team at their head offices in London, and although it was non-stop, I met some amazing people, had a really fun time and left there feeling good – knowing that I’ve helped in a little way. The star of the day, however, was one of their vendors, Paul who had come in to buy some more copies of the magazine. By his side he had his dog and on his front he had an unzipped rucksack. Inside the bag was a four week old pup that he had rescued from a bin a couple of weeks before. Although Paul hasn’t got a massive income, he has got a massive heart and took it upon himself to get Benzen sorted out with food and all of the vaccinations required. As you can see from the shot above, things got a bit much for Benzen so he decided to fall asleep in the hand of one of the Big Issue workers whilst being stroked. When sleeping rough, having a dog around can really help – not only does it give companionship but it offers a sense of security to the owners too.
Paid work is great to have, but if you’ve got a spare day every now and again, why not do something worthwhile and give a little back. Having work published is great no matter what, and with The Big Issue using my shots on their website, social media, flyers and in their magazine, it just goes to show that a day not earning still pays off.
Charities rely on donations and volunteers to help them run – without them, the people that really need the help simply won’t get it.
And remember, The Big Issue is a hand up – not a hand out.
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