Chip

I often see Big Issue sellers dotted around the High Street selling copies of this publication for the homeless.

If they're homeless and got no money then how come they all seem to be able to afford to smoke, have a mobile phone and of course own a dog with a coat on!

Chip.

messiah

sorry mate got no change...

I'll never buy one. Most homeless are there through their own choice so bo11ocks to them.

There was also outrage up here in Carlisle when one of the sellers went home in his Mercedes.

NACRO

Yes at least they aren't just begging, I also got some entertainment value out of the publication. It's the first step to getting off the streets and sorting their lives out.
If you'd ever been homeless you'd realise that sometimes a drink is the only way to get a little crumb of comfort in your life.
Last year I gave the vendor who used to sell outside my local supermarket a good single malt and some mince pies for Christmas, top man.

The Zohan

Yes, and sometimes it's not a bad read either. Rather that than begging.

Jye

Yes.

I'd never stand outside railway stations, malls, shops etc getting ignored, listening to myself saying the same crap all day, not for for a quid a pop anyhow. Not unless I 'really' needed the money that is. I believe 'most' of the street vendors for the Big Issue do need the money.

Alpine99

I usually buy an issue if I have the change.. If nothing else it's not a bad read and worth a quid in its own right.

Wish

iTrader: (2)

I have to say i think that they are showing willing.....
And its better than stealing... Plus it keeps them of the streets ;-)

DJ Dunk

iTrader: (5)

Yep, quite often. I'll often stop and have a chat too. People seem to look down on them as if they are the scum of the earth with no right to be stood in the same street as them, p!sses me off. FFS, they are people too and they get my respect for having the ***** to make an effort and try to make a change in their lives.

Reffro

I have nothing against the big issue vendors, most all are decent folk who are having a hard time. But I don't enjoy reading the magazine itself, I used to buy it regularly from the chap round the corner from where I worked, but found I didn't enjoy reading it. I'll gladly give them a quid if its in my pocket, but I don't bother taking the magazine. Only one thing to note though, I always want to see their ID before handing over anything. Lots of bums are out there, reselling discarded issues and the like, and they give the real sellers a bad reputation.

paulr

I had to do a double take of someone selling it last year.I realised it was a lad who was in my class at school.He was in a right state,crappy clothes and teeth falling out etc.I never bought it but i did give him a couple of quid and had a bit of a chat.
Its not a life i'd wish on anyone,i think he just fell through the system.

Markus

I have been known to purchase the odd issue. As said by others, this shows some form of willingness to do something, other than begging, which I hate. The only beggar I have ever given money to was one in New York, gave him $10, why? well, he had a sign saying 'need money for booze', I thought, at least he is honest.

Must say the Big Issue is quite a good read too.

Mark Miwurdz

Yep

Chip

Nice to see there are still a few caring people out there.


Chip.

alcazar

iTrader: (2)

No, but I usually give the guy a couple of quid to put in his pocket.

I tend to look at them, and think: ""there, but for the grace of God................"

Alcazar

Diesel

I always give the guy in our High Street a quid for looking after my dog when I go in the supermarket. This is because he is an OK bloke and loves the dog. Fluffy dog increases his sales by 50% too

I cant help thinking that this measly quid is for him to buy booze though cos my huge taxes already pay for every other basic he needs dont they? I like booze too and might like it more if I was down on my luck...

D

eClaire

If I've got the change, then yeah I will.

A few years back I was coming out of Waverly Train Station in Edinburgh, it was nearing Christmas time. The guy asked me if I wanted one so I said yep. Anyways, i got speaking to him, gave him a few **** and treated to him to a slap up meal at burger king My mum is like that, whenever we went Christmas shopping she was handing out fivers left right and centre. I know it's not exactly helping the homeless get back on their feet, but i think it would be nice to know that there are people out their willing to help you out, even if it is just for a meal or two.

jasey

Used to buy a copy regular as clockwork from Jim - Who used to work Market street (Aberdeen) - Ginger headed skinny chap (well compared to me he was skinny). Hadn't seen him for ages and he turned up on Banchory High street this summer !

Talk to them - they don't bite (well most of them don't ).

EvilBevel

Online communication is hard sometimes, but your first post somewhat seems at odds with this statement, so forgive me if I ask you whether you were being sarcastic or not ?

Steve vRS

Yes I buy the odd one when I'm in a city.

Does anyone really think that people are homeless through choice ?

Steve

mj

I never bought the big issue myself, but I came out of Mcdonalds in manchester one night ( years ago) with an extra burger ( BIG Mac ) for the vagrant that was sat outside.

I offered the parrafin the burger, to be told in no uncertain terms that he didn't want ******* burgers, he wanted money.

The burger got launched into the middle of the road, and the ungrateful piece of **** was told to feckoff & die.

Never done a thing for em' since, and probly never will again.

scoobydooooo

no never bought one , there isn't a big issue seller for miles where i live anyway !! the guy who sells them in chester under the clock pisses me off though, he's been there for years , he's so busy selling the big issue he doesn't even look for a job !! now to me there is something wrong there.

mj

how much do the tramps get for each copy they foist?

lpski1

Nope, if i gave a quid to each seller i saw, on the way to and from work, i would be paying £20 p/day.

Spoon

Handed over a quid once and he handed me back a dog complete with a Burberry coat!!!

lpski1

Did you keep the coat Spoon ?

Spoon

lpski1- Unfortunately it was cut up to make 2 caps for the Scooby driving yoofs nearby.

The dog I rent out to other Big Issue sellers for a cut.

lpski1

LOL

Chip

Well put there my friend. No I wasnt being sarcy for once. Was just pointing out that some of these guys dont seem as poor as they make out.I generally feel sorry for them. Have to say they are never rude or in your face either.

Me and Mrs Chip were in town shopping a while back on a Sunday and heard one guy ring his Mrs and asked her to get him a copy of the Mail on Sunday and the Times. So it cant be that hard for some of them can it.

All in all though I just wish these ppl could get more help and care from the community.

Chip.

NACRO

mail on sunday and the Times- PMSL

I only ever had the inclination to read those hackrags was when I was unemployed and homeless.

as for the passing 20 vendors comment- well try buyin an issue from one of them from time to time, if you are ever down and out I hope you get shown more sympathy than you are giving now.

lpski1

Wouldnt happen. Why do i have to show sympathy ? because the majority on this post do. !!