Their mission is to dismantle poverty by creating opportunity, through self-help, social trading and business solutions. The Big Issue magazine launched in 1991 in response to the growing number of rough sleepers on the streets of London, by offering people the opportunity to earn a legitimate income through selling a magazine to the public. Twenty-five years on, our vendors come from a variety of backgrounds and face the myriad of problems associated with poverty and inequality.

James Bowen: “Bob was my best friend, my soul mate”
The Big Issue celebrates the life of Street Cat Bob with a special edition – now on sale on the streets across the UK – featuring tributes from James Bowen, Big Issue vendors around the world.
 

It is tuition support for children who lost their parents in a car accident. Ashinaga Foundation
provides educational funding and psychological support to children who have lost one or both guardians, as well as to those whose guardians suffer from serious disabilities. Since its founding in 1993, the organization has raised and has helped over 95,000 students complete high school and/or attend university. Ashinaga also provides residential facilities, psychological support, day programs and camps for both younger children and Ashinaga student loan recipients.