The holiday season has officially arrived, and with it comes the opportunity to spread joy and compassion through charitable giving. This year, Big Issue North has once again teamed up with renowned Manchester artist Stanley Chow and sock specialists Stand4Socks to create a limited-edition series of festive socks, cards, and wrapping paper with a charitable twist.
The exclusive designs, created by Chow, not only bring a touch of holiday cheer but also give customers the chance to make a difference in the lives of those in need across the north of England. Every purchase directly supports Big Issue North’s mission to empower people experiencing poverty by providing them with opportunities to earn an income, gain stability, and transform their lives.
Big Issue North vendors, who are self-employed, purchase magazines for £2 each from regional offices in Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, and Sheffield, and then sell them on established pitches for £4, keeping the £2 they make from each sale. This not only provides them with an income but also gives them motivation and boosts their self-esteem.
In addition to selling the magazine, vendors receive support and advice from staff on accessing services, developing skills, and improving their lives for the better. As a result, 75% of vendors in the north have never begged, and 19% of those who had committed crimes prior to selling the magazine have stopped offending altogether.
The Big Issue North Trust, a registered charity (charity number 1056041), raises funds to provide various support services for vendors, including access to services, help with obtaining identification, and home furnishing packages. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the trust also provided financial aid to vendors while they were unable to work and funded personal protective equipment and contactless payment devices, along with the required photo ID. This not only improved the safety of vendors and customers but also increased earnings as the UK moves towards becoming a cashless society.
This year’s collection includes two new exclusive designs by Stanley Chow. Known for his iconic illustrations, Chow’s work has garnered international acclaim, including collaborations with The White Stripes and covers for The New York Times. The limited-edition sock series, priced at £12.99 per pair or £29.99 for three pairs, features Chow’s signature style with a graphic, minimalist pixel design and a penguin design.
“I got the chance to design the pair of socks I’ve always wanted to wear, and selling them will help raise money for a charity that I wholeheartedly support,” said Stanley Chow. “What’s not to like about that?!”
Stand4Socks, a Manchester-based company, is known for its high-quality, personalized socks. Their ethos centers on giving back, and for every pair of charity socks sold, Stand4Socks donates a durable, antibacterial pair of socks to someone experiencing homelessness. To date, they have donated over 150,000 socks, providing comfort and warmth to those in need.
The limited-edition socks, priced at £12.99 per pair or £29.99 for three pairs, and the Christmas cards and wrapping paper, priced at £6 for 10 cards or five sheets of wrapping paper or £10 for both, can be purchased through the Big Issue North online shop. 100% of profits from each sale go directly to Big Issue North, meaning every purchase supports those working to sell The Big Issue in the North West, Yorkshire, and the Humber, providing them with the opportunity to earn an income, develop skills, and gain independence.
Don’t miss out on the chance to give the gift of compassion this holiday season while also supporting a worthy cause. Purchase your limited-edition socks, cards, and wrapping paper today and make a difference in the lives of those in need across the north of England.
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.