CORPORATE PARTNERSHIP
The Big Issue and Workwear Group Partnership
Our partnership with The Big Issue offers volunteer opportunities for our team members to connect and support magazine Vendors. As part of our partnership, we undertook a project to redesign their Vendors' uniforms. Our design team hit the streets to gain insight into their needs and got to know many of The Big Issue's vendors on a personal level, strengthening the relationship between our two organisations. Tackling the big issues together.
Our partnership with The Big Issue celebrated 2 years in February 2024
The Workwear Group and Big Issue Partnership includes regular volunteer opportunities for our team members to support and connect with magazine Vendors. From supporting magazine launches and joining community soccer matches to facilitating Vendor surveys and joining them on the streets to sell the magazine, our team members love getting to know many of The Big Issue’s Vendors on a personal level, strengthening the relationship between our two organisations.
In the 2022/2023 financial year alone, over 110 Workwear Group team members provided nearly 270 hours of volunteer activity on behalf of The Big Issue.
"I volunteered in the women's only Community Street Soccer Program. It entails playing soccer in a relaxed & informal session with a group of women from The Big Issue community experiencing marginalisation. I volunteer to help and support the community where I can, mostly by contributing to a positive and encouraging environment."
— Priscilla Li
Proudly dressed by Workwear Group
As specialists when it comes to workwear and uniforms, we undertook a project as part of our partnership with The Big Issue to redesign the uniform for their Vendors. To get a real understanding of their needs, some of our design team took to the streets spending time with The Big Issue Vendors working closely with them as they went about their day to find out their frustrations and needs.
In July 2023 their new uniform was launched in a special ceremony attended by the Deputy Lord Mayor of the City of Melbourne. Consisting of cap, vest and messenger bag, you can see The Big Issue Vendors on the streets of cities and some regional areas around Australia (except NT and TAS).
Shared success on multiple fronts
Feedback from The Big Issue team has been extremely positive, with Vendors expressing their pride and gratitude to Workwear Group for the refreshed uniform design.
Additionally, Workwear Group is continuing to utilise their network within the garment industry to explore further opportunities for the Women’s Workforce. As more of our customers look to set up various end-of-life solutions for uniform items and decommission styles, new plans from Workwear Group’s sustainability program can create more employment options. As these new options are established for our customer base, we’re constantly in conversations with various garment recycling facilities to create more paid opportunities for these women. We’re proud to continue our partnership with The Big Issue and the Women’s Workforce program.
