LAST Thursday, in the pouring rain, I stopped to buy the Big Issue from the lady who sells it in Okehampton. She had been standing there since 8am and it was 11.45am. In that time she had sold three copies, including the one I bought. 

The Big Issue was set up to give homeless and vulnerably housed people the opportunity to earn a legitimate income. It also helps them with the problems that caused them to become homeless in the first place. 

The vendors have to pay £1.25 for each copy, which they then sell for £2.50. This meant this lady had made £4.25 in four hours. How many of us would work for this length of time for just £4.25? 

She told me she is homeless, but has been offered a room if she can raise the deposit she needs first. She is not asking for a handout, but is working. Please may I ask more of the kind people I know live in Okehampton to please consider buying a copy and helping her?

Linda Brightwell