Moondance Foundation makes significant donation to Big Issue vendors

We are delighted to announce that The Big Issue has received a significant donation from the Moondance Foundation to help us continue to support vendors through the Covid-19 crisis.

The Big Issue has been hit hard by the pandemic with vendors unable to sell the magazine on the streets. The Moondance Foundation answered our plea for help.  A large part of the money they have donated will support The Big Issue’s 125 vendors in Wales to pay for food, utilities and other vital costs. The remaining money will help The Big Issue to cover costs during these uncertain times.

The Moondance Foundation launched their Covid-19 Relief Fund on March 25 – two days after the UK went into lockdown – to support charities and other groups in Wales.

The family foundation was established in 2010 to formalise the philanthropic giving of Diane Briere de l’Isle and Henry Engelhardt.  Henry is the founder, and former CEO, of the Admiral Group.  The foundation is chaired by Diane who is keen to support causes in Wales, vulnerable people and the environment.

Diane said: “Our hearts go out to all the people suffering during this terrible crisis. We have been thinking of the Big Issue vendors who have lost their livelihood during this lockdown, as well as all those others who are also losing their jobs.

“We hope to see the Big Issue out on the streets of Wales again soon, but in the meantime, we are grateful to be able to contribute to the wellbeing and safety of the Big Issue vendors and staff.”

Sellers across the country saw their income stop overnight when we were forced to temporarily stop selling the magazine on the streets to protect vendors from the coronavirus.

Since the March lockdown, The Big Issue has switched to a subscriber model as well as selling the magazine in stores, as well as urging for support to help us continue our mission to dismantle poverty. It’s a goal we have been striving towards for the last 29 years, helping thousands of vendors in the process.

The Moondance Foundations generous donation will help vendors like Amanda Hill to get through the Covid-19 crisis.

The Cardiff vendor, 42, received money from Moondance last week and she told The Big Issue that the money was a big help in this difficult time.

“I really appreciated the help – any help we can get at the moment while in lockdown is massively appreciated,” said Amanda. “Everyone is really struggling, and I’ve been really struggling too while I’ve not been able to sell the magazine, so I’m really grateful for the money.”

The Big Issue’s business development manager Michael Angill added: “It has been heart-breaking to see the impact of Covid-19 on so many people’s lives. Our vendors are amongst some of the most vulnerable, and their ability to earn their own money and take positive steps forward has been taken away from them, for a while at least.

“Support from organisations is so crucial to The Big Issue and our vendors at this time, more so than ever. The Moondance Foundation have made a phenomenal contribution to help us to continue our work and support our vendors through this crisis and whatever lies ahead. On behalf of all our staff and vendors, we can’t thank you enough”

The Big Issue still needs support to continue our life-changing work throughout and beyond the disruption of the Covid-19 pandemic. To find out how your business can join The Big Community and support Big Issue vendors, head here.