In our small town there is a big issue seller who has been at a local supermarket for nearly 10 years.
I used to give him money every Friday when i did my shopping, but i intentionally stopped a couple of years ago.
I've spoken to friends and acquaintances about donating money to homeless people etc and always had mixed responses. Personally, i've always just thought that a couple of quid here or there to me doesn't mean much but it might really help some one in need. HOWEVER, this one big issue seller really had me thinking.
Anyway, i've realised i don't know what the deal is with people who sell it. I always assumed it was a form of begging. But that's probably because i always just give money and don't take the magazine. Am i the outlier here? Or is that what everyone does?
I'm all for charitable donations and giving to those who are in need and i have always assumed big issue sellers used it as a method of earning some money to then get a place to stay and then a job etc etc. And i'm now doubting myself so i would love to hear what the general consensus is on the topic!