Famous ambassadors launch appeal for homeless and social justice magazine
The Big Issue (TBI) has announced the appointment of Christopher Eccleston, George Clarke, Daniel Mays and Sophie Winkleman as its official ambassadors.
The stars of the screen are calling on the public to urgently support the organisation and its network of vendors at a time of crisis by subscribing, buying a gift subscription or donating to an urgent Christmas Appeal.
Following the government announcement that England would enter its second lockdown, TBI had to ask more than half of its 2,000 vendors to stop selling the magazine for the duration.
During the last lockdown, TBI was able to support vendors with payments over this period due to the generosity of members of the public and businesses, enabling its frontline team to work closely with vendors and offer emotional as well as financial support.
Christopher Eccleston, who first appeared on the cover of The Big Issue in 1996, said: “I remember when it was launched. And to see something like The Big Issue born makes you proud. Because you feel like the social conscience of the nation is active.
“So the first thing I'd like to say as an ambassador is that if you've always supported your vendor, in almost 30 years of The Big Issue's existence, please continue to do so. Because it's even worse now. And if it's worse for you, you can only imagine how much worse it is for people living on the streets.
“We've got to get that message out there… I've been very moved and very touched to join The Big Issue. When I start thinking about this great creation that I'm becoming a small part of, it's an honour.”
Paul McNamee, editor of The Big Issue, which is produced in Glasgow, said: “It’s an absolute privilege to have our ambassadors shouting from the rooftops for The Big Issue at what is the most challenging time in our history.
“With the vast majority of our vendors unable to sell, we once again urgently need your support to survive and be there for our vendors beyond Christmas. Please subscribe, buy a gift subscription from your local vendor, subscribe or donate to The Big Christmas Appeal, to enable us to be there for our vendors, both now and in the future.”
