The UK’s first ever ‘Giving Tuesday’ launches tomorrow, with a host of notable Mancunians and fundraisers helping support The Big Issue in the North Trust charity.
FC United of Manchester, Yorkshire poet Ian McMillan and Manchester-based photographer Darren Hargreaves are some of the people rallying together as part of a worldwide day of giving.
Giving Tuesday originated in the America as an antidote to the days of mass consumerism from Black Friday and Cyber Monday – days that encourage sale shopping days after Thanksgiving celebrations.
The American tradition has already created carnage across many countries in the world and has even affected UK cities including Manchester and London.
Keith Smith, assistant director for The Big Issue in the North Trust, said: “We’re overwhelmed by the generosity and support that we have received for The Trust charity, which works so hard to support vendors who are out on the streets selling the magazine.
“The public can also get involved in Giving Tuesday by donating money to the charity. Every penny of which goes towards helping us help more vendors move on in their lives.”
The Big Issue in the North Trust charity, which provides support and services to vendors who sell the magazine, has gained the support of many people across the north of England.
FC United of Manchester have given a vendor the opportunity to sell the magazines at their home match against Workington on Saturday December 6 to introduce FCUM supporters to the weekly publication and the work of the Trust charity.
Manchester-based photographer Darren Hargreaves gave his time and his talents by taking photographs of local vendors which will be published in the magazine and on the charity’s website.
Yorkshire poet Ian McMillan showed his support by writing the poem The Vendor the Buyer specifically for the occasion. The piece will be published in the magazine, promoted on social media and on Giving Tuesday itself.
Also showing their charitable side are Suma Wholefoods – the UK’s largest wholesalers of Organic, Vegan, Vegetarian and specialist foods who donated three bags of goodies which were raffled to raise funds for the charity.
Further support is coming from Yorkshire band Egokiller who are releasing a special single on Giving Tuesday where all proceeds will go to The North Trust.
The magazine will also feature an update on the adventures of Bob the Street Cat, made famous by former Big Issue seller, James Bowen who wrote about his friendship with the stray cat who saw him through addiction and homelessness.
People can donate to The Big Issue in the North Trust by clicking here: www.bigissueinthenorth.com
Image courtsey of Daniel Gregory, with thanks.
