Big Issue seller asked for more

Gabrielle, any self-respecting atheist or agnostic would hate to associate themselves with GrammyGrammy’s comment, as I’m sure, would many Christians. Surely there’s no place for racism in a Christian charity?

Have you said this just to be provocative, GrammyGrammy? I can’t believe you’re serious
.

I know cards can be faked but they should be wearing ID. www.sussexexpress.co.uk/news/big-issue-confirms-sellers-in-bognor-are-fake-848739 .

So much for the Christmas spirit, eh Ailidh? Seems sadly lacking, doesn't it? Even with those who think "Christian England" is mostly for the English. That's "Christian England" where fewer than 50% call themselves Christian any more. I'm reminded why I chose atheism.

volver

VioletSky

What's up with gransnet lately

Is bigotry the new black?

This. 100 times this.

What is going on???

This is the first post on Gransnet (not this one, the one the comments refer back to) that's ever made me cry.

Wow. It could be a kind friend or boss helping them out? Perhaps some of the bosses have a team and pick them up , help them out? A kind thing to do if that's the case.

I'm sure no one is going to stand outside in the freezing cold if they don't really need to. I'd be interested to know what they make in a day, but I don't suppose they'd loads?

Big issue seller at our local.shops gets collected in a mercedes car, I'm sure some are controlled by people higher up the chain ☹️

I never see any BI sellers in my daily life, but my husband frequently buys a BI. He never reads it and nor do I. It's purely an act of charity, buying something we do not want to help someone meet their daily quota.

I don't think BI sellers are supposed to be pushy or ask for more money, though. No, they aren't. I checked. Here ... www.bigissuenorth.com/about-us/vendor-expectations/#:~:text=Vendors%20cannot%20sell%20between%208pm,are%20unfit%20to%20do%20so.

GrammyGrammy

I am the founder of a major local homeless charity and I do not ever buy that publication. I am more interested in helping our own homeless , particularly women and ex servicemen rather than all the thousands of economic migrants from Asia and the middle east here. Christian England is mostly for the English just as Masai lands are for the Masai. We are being harmed and dismantled in so many directions. No big ishoooo for me thanks.

Oh dear.

VioletSky

What's up with gransnet lately

Is bigotry the new black?

This. 100 times this.

What is going on???

Millie22

I used to give to the Big Issue but not now as the seller is not English not homeless and goes back to his car at the end of the day.

The same here. Her Husband works from the next village and picked her up in the car when he has finished

Sadly, having worked within the HMP service I do not buy the B.I or give to beggers...aving heard stories id rather not go into - I support relevant charities though.

I enjoy reading the Big Issue so I am a genuine buyer. The idea is that people selling it do not have to beg. I think giving money but not taking the magazine is making the seller into a beggar. Maybe many are happy with this but it is potentially degrading. I once went up to a seller in Kensington High Street but when I looked in my purse I didn't have enough money for the magazine and my bus fare and had to explain and apologise and felt embarrassed. When I moved away, he ran after me and insisted on giving me one for free. I said I could pay something but he wouldn't take it. They have to pay a bit for the magazine themselves. So he was the one who was in the position to help another person and I was given an act of kindness. With respect for the other person both to give and to receive can be a blessing.

Grammy Grammy. Your comments are unbelievably racist. Being that you’re Christian, I take it that you believe in Christ? Or do you think that perhaps Jesus was born in Milton Keynes which fits in better with your notion of ‘Christian England?’

GrammyGrammy, I am stunned at your post.
Surely a Good Christian helps others, regardless of race or creed?

We have a slightly aggressive BI seller in the High Street - she shouts relentlessly at people passing, telling them to buy, and when they hand over a note, her other phrase is 'Keep change?' Many give her a wide berth - I'm sure if she stood quietly people would buy, and I was told that the sellers are not supposed to 'push' sales.

I would be informing wherever he gets his Big Issues from; that sort of thing puts off people from buying it again, as the OP said in their original post. It's not right that the seller did that and it's not fair to all the other Big Issue sellers who don't ask for more.

@Gabrielle56,
I understand what you were 'saying' to GrammyGrammy, about not sounding like a Christian.
However, I'm an Atheist, I give to several charities monthly, and always buy the Big Issue, but never take the copy.
I do not believe in the Holy Trinity, but do live in what could be called a 'Christian manner'.
Therefore a little less of the 'Atheist' comment would be appreciated!
Thank You!

GrammyGrammy

I am the founder of a major local homeless charity and I do not ever buy that publication. I am more interested in helping our own homeless , particularly women and ex servicemen rather than all the thousands of economic migrants from Asia and the middle east here. Christian England is mostly for the English just as Masai lands are for the Masai. We are being harmed and dismantled in so many directions. No big ishoooo for me thanks.

So if a homeless person comes to your charity do you quiz them to find out if they are "our own homeless" and turn them away if you deem them to be unworthy of your help. Sounds neither charitable or Christian to me

I think one.of the issue where is.nit.all big issue sellers.would have change for £10 and if they did to use all that up would leave them with no change at all. I'd advise trying to use the correct money when buying this in future or at least.a smaller amount that you don't mind gifting. I buy one every year close to Christmas and I do use £10 but always gift them the change, I've seen many do it so can understand why he thought that was the case here.

A BI seller I bought from asked me if I could buy her some baby milk powder from the local Asda as she had nothing. I took pity on her and did so, but later discovered the sellers aren’t meant to ‘beg’ for more. I shall buy the Christmas issue from another local seller who never asks for anything extra and is always grateful for the purchase.

GrammyGrammy

I am the founder of a major local homeless charity and I do not ever buy that publication. I am more interested in helping our own homeless , particularly women and ex servicemen rather than all the thousands of economic migrants from Asia and the middle east here. Christian England is mostly for the English just as Masai lands are for the Masai. We are being harmed and dismantled in so many directions. No big ishoooo for me thanks.

I question your claim of even being "Christian" dear? Your comment reads like something a racist atheist would be proud of! Are you? Proud of it? It's a shame you don't even appear to realise the notion of englishness is a fantastic myth and biologically an impossibility.?! I bet you vote conservative and rush off to church every opportunity ? It won't help you know, trying to buy your way into "heaven" the here and now are what count, not the never never land.
As that Jesus apparently said " do unto others as you would have done unto you" or were you off that day?

I suggested my Big Issue seller should get a card machine as so many people no longer carry cash. He now has one, and I hope it helps his sales.

During the pandemic I took out a subscription and that had served me well. The money is fairly distributed. I think the magazine has got better and better and I really enjoy it, especially the book pages. BI advice is to take what you have bought and not to give extra if asked.

What's up with gransnet lately

Is bigotry the new black?

The whole point of the Big Issue when it was started was to stop homeless people needing to beg.. ergo he certainly shouldn't have asked for extra money and you definitely shouldn't feel guilty about not giving him extra