Friday Night – THE Big Issue
This is about how my Friday night perspective was changed.
I, just like everyone else in Melbourne, flew out of the office on Friday afternoon to meet my best friend for a beer (or 7) at Fed Square.
I rounded the corner of Collins St and Spring St and bumped into a Big Issue seller.
And instead of keeping with my desperate dash, I stopped and purchased a copy of the Big Issue.
Knowing I probably was never going to read it and that my accountant would use this opportunity to tell me that this is a prime example of how my money “goes missing”… I bought it anyway.
And I’m glad I did. Because as soon as I asked for a copy, the reseller said:
“Thank you so much, I was so worried I wouldn’t be able to make enough money for the weekend. And now, I think I’m OK“
My heart sank.
Here I was running people over on Collin St with no other thought than the hope that the bar was stocking my favourite beer (Hargreaves Hill – ESB in case you’re wondering) and she was worried about making enough money just to get through the weekend.
Dumbfounded, I handed my money over and walked down the road and stopped.
I didn’t know her name.
I walked up again and said “I’m sorry, I didn’t get your name… I’m Mariella” and now it was her turn to be dumbfounded and she said “Thank you Mariella. I’m Michelle”. And I knew in that moment that she appreciated me asking her name more than she appreciated the Big Issue purchase.
I’ll be honest, I usually don’t buy the Big Issue because the content is a little…dry.
And I do take the Big Issue for granted.
Here’s a social enterprise that helps the homeless, gives them a sense of pride and purpose as well as creating an opportunity to better their situation
Regardless of how you feel about the content of the Big Issue, may I encourage you to take the time to purchase one? If money is an issue, enquiring/connecting on a personal leve, is free.
As for me, you’ll see me on the corner of Collins St and Spring St purchasing another issue from Michelle every fortnight.
As for my accountant… she’ll understand.
Have you had a look at the 2012 Project? Your help would be appreciated…
