This Big Issue vendor is donating his earnings to charity for Remembrance Day: 'Please buy a magazine'

A veteran from Bristol is donating all earnings from his Big Issue sales this week to armed forces charities ahead of Remembrance Day.

59-year-old James Brewer, who sells the Big Issue outside Temple Meads Station, is donating the money to the SSAFA and the RAF Benevolent Fund in memory of his brother, a fellow former serviceman who passed away five years ago.

Brewer’s brother passed away after “his mental health gave way” – an experience all too common for veterans leaving the army. Since leaving himself, Brewer has mostly lived in tents and on the streets, selling the Big Issue to raise income and relying on charities like the SSAFA for “boots, sleeping bags and tents”.

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The Big Issue has donated the first 50 magazines free to James to sell. The support team in Bristol will be working with James all week to support his fundraising efforts.

“Bloody everything about leaving the forces is hard,” James tells this week’s Big Issue, out now. “It almost seems impossible to recover from that. You can do it. You do do it. You have to get through every day.

“Basically since leaving the forces I have lived in tents and on the streets. I came out of the forces and my life went to shit. It was just a real mess. The RAF Benevolent Fund has given me grants and stuff to help me through quite difficult times. They’re just brilliant people there to help you. SSAFA have supplied me with boots, sleeping bags and tents because I’ve spent quite a few years on the streets.

“I’d like to say to people please buy a magazine this week because these are really good causes, I haven’t got loads of money but as long as I cover the cost of the mags I’m not worried about takings. I’ll get through it.

“Big Issue keeps me afloat. It feeds me, it takes care of me. If it wasn’t for Big Issue, I’d really be in a right mess.”

Penny Walster, the director of programmes for Big Issue Changing Lives CIC, praised James’ Remembrance Day fundraising, saying: “James’ selfless choice to donate his Big Issue sales to a cause that’s so close to his heart is truly admirable and we’re glad to be doing everything we can to support his efforts.

“If you’re passing through Temple Meads Station, make sure to stop to buy a copy from James – this week and every week.”

James Brewer sells the Big Issue outside Bristol Temple Meads Station every day from 6.30am to 11am. All his sales until Remembrance Day on Sunday (10 November) will be donated to armed forces charities SSAFA and the RAF Benevolent Fund. Alternatively, you can support him on an ongoing basis by subscribing to the Big Issue, with 50% of the proceeds going straight to James.

Do you have a story to tell or opinions to share about this? Get in touch and tell us more. This Christmas, you can make a lasting change on a vendor’s life. Buy a magazine from your local vendor in the street every week. If you can’t reach them, buy a  Vendor Support Kit.