Covid-19: Big Issue North Hardship Fund
How Big Issue North raised £22,347 to support homeless vendors when street magazine sales were suspended at the start of the UK lockdown in March 2020.
On 23rd March 2020, shortly before the UK lockdown announcement, Big Issue North ceased street magazine sales to protect vendors and customers. This suspension threatened the income of homeless individuals who depend on selling the magazine to survive.
The Response
Big Issue North established a hardship fund through DONATE™ to support vulnerable vendors, providing:
- Emergency accommodation
- Rent assistance
- Help with bills
- Shopping support where foodbanks weren't accessible
The Campaign
The campaign attracted 822 donations, split almost equally between channels:
- 54% via web giving
- 46% via text giving
- Average donation: £39.31
The relatively high average donation reflects the depth of public concern for the vendors - people who had been visible presences on high streets across the North of England.
Why DONATE™
"We chose the DONATE platform because we liked both its flexibility and ease of use so that we can manage our campaigns and offer both text and web giving through a single platform. We've found the team behind it really helpful and have in the last few weeks raised nearly £15,000."
- Bronte Schiltz, Fundraising and Communications Officer, Big Issue North
The Result
Amount raised: £22,347