The Big Issue has sold more than 11 million copies and earned $25 million for its vendors over its 21 years.
But some vendors say it's the community they've built through selling the magazine that keeps them turning up year after year.
The Big Issue was launched on the steps of Melbourne's Flinders Street Station in 1996 and has spread across the country with more than 500 vendors now selling the magazine.
Bob Stock has been selling the magazine near Sydney's Town Hall for about 12 years.
"I don't do it for the money. I just do it for the love of getting out and meeting and talking to people," he told AAP on Friday.
Every fortnight before the magazine is released, Mr Stock and other Sydney vendors meet at a cafe to share a barbecue breakfast and magazine stats.
The magazine is based on the slogan "a hand up, not a handout" and gives homeless and disadvantaged people the opportunity to work for themselves.
Big Issue editor Amy Hetherington describes it as a "social enterprise".
"Over the past 21 years we've seen the positive impact this can have for vendors, boosting their confidence and providing a sense of community," Ms Hetherington said in a statement.
"Despite many vendors coming from difficult backgrounds, their positivity, resilience and good humour resonates with readers."
Along with the street magazine, The Big Issue operates five programs including a subscription service providing jobs for disadvantaged women and a soccer program for homeless and marginalised players.
Share
