Advertising helps fund Big Issue’s mission to end poverty
Housing

Big Issue man raises cash for rough sleepers in need of clothes

Popular vendor in Exeter raises money to help people struggling with homelessness on the streets

Popular Big Issue vendor Andrew McGarry has donated £100-worth of socks and underwear to help people sleeping on the streets of Exeter.

Andrew, who sells the magazine near Cathedral Green in the Devon city, recently found accommodation.

But he did spend around six months sleeping rough, and wanted to donate his earnings to the St Petrock’s centre, a charity for homeless people, to provide vital clothing for those without a roof over the heads.

“Once you’ve been homeless yourself you know that it’s important to have support and a lifeline you can lean on,” said the 50-year-old. “I thought it was about time I gave a little back to people who also may be in need.”

The big-hearted vendor has undertaken fundraising and charitable drives in the city before.

In 2015 Andrew used trolleys borrowed from the Co-op to collect lots of tents, sleeping bags and warm clothes, before donating the gear to a church in Towcester where homeless people could collect the items.

Advertising helps fund Big Issue’s mission to end poverty
Advertising helps fund Big Issue’s mission to end poverty

The same year he organised a jumble sale, barn dance and concert, raising over £800 for local charities.

Gill Luckings of the St Petrock’s centre in Exeter said: “Andrew is a great ambassador for the way the homeless people can turn their life around.

“The local community send in lots of different donations which we are extremely grateful for but we also need cash.

“It’s the local community who offer the opportunity for us to be able to meet our fundraising needs.”

Our 2020 Impact Report

The Big Issue has given more than £1 million support to Big Issue vendors struggling due to the lockdown restrictions. To mark the significant milestone, we have published an impact report, documenting the seismic shift the organisation has undergone in the past 12 months.

View Report
Advertising helps fund Big Issue’s mission to end poverty

READER-SUPPORTED SINCE 1991

Reader-supported journalism that doesn’t just report problems, it helps solve them.

Recommended for you

View all
One mum's months-long ordeal to find out how her son died in a homeless hostel: 'I need answers'
Former Big Issue vendor Richard Sanders
Homelessness

One mum's months-long ordeal to find out how her son died in a homeless hostel: 'I need answers'

Four people died while homeless every day in the UK last year: 'People continue to be failed'
Homeless deaths tribute
Homelessness

Four people died while homeless every day in the UK last year: 'People continue to be failed'

Here's what would happen if the UK abolished landlords overnight
Renters angry at no-fault evictions, Renters Reform Bill delay and a lack of rent controls
Landlords

Here's what would happen if the UK abolished landlords overnight

Homeless people needed protecting from hot weather more than ever before in 2025
a homeless man in hot weather
Homelessness

Homeless people needed protecting from hot weather more than ever before in 2025

Reader-supported journalism that doesn’t just report problems, it helps solve them.

Every day, Big Issue digs deeper – speaking up for those society overlooks. Will you help us keep doing this work?