INSP Advent Calendar: day 16

Raitis (60) sells Hinz & Kunzt in front of German supermarket Edeka on Stresemannallee, Hamburg.

A story about Liceulice’s vendor Mirko Ondrik. He talks about his family, how he became a vendor for the magazine, about the new friends he has made and about his hobbies; photography and cooking.

INSP is very proud to announce that a ground-breaking 1 million words have been downloaded from the News Service’s updated online platform since December of last year. Here’s a look at why.

Alexandra used to work as a street musician, travelling between Hamburg and Romania. Now she sells Hinz&Kunzt, and sees her future in Hamburg: she proudly explains that her daughter can already speak very good German.

Simon first ended up on the street at the age of 16, where crime and drug use got him into trouble with the law. He eventually found stability and started a family, before the death of his father led to another downward spiral. Now he sells L’Itinéraire, and says it probably saved his life.

The final set of nominees are here – have a look to see who’s made the top ten in the Best Vendor Contribution category.

After his divorce, Adrian had to send his children back to Romania to live with his parents. He used to work as a lorry driver, but has struggled to find work through employment agencies. Now he sells Big Issue North to support his family and give them a better life.

As Sorgenfri celebrates ten years providing opportunity to people facing homelessness in the Norwegian city of Trondheim, we meet four of their longest-serving vendors.

Retired plumber Ernö is originally from Hungary, and has been selling the Augustin for nine years now – with a little help from a supermarket manager and a local pastor. He sends what money he can back home to his wife, who is ill, and his three daughters.

Darnesha first left home at age 13 to escape her mother’s abusive boyfriend. Three years ago, she moved to Oklahoma City with a controlling partner, but left him when his unreliable behaviour threatened to jeopardise their housing situation. Now she is raising her daughter on her own, and says selling The Curbside Chronicle has saved her.

Camaxtli used to live with his family in Cuernavaca, but felt that he relied on them too much. Since coming to Mexico City, he has learnt more about himself and acquired some unusual skills at Mi Valedor workshops.

Army veteran Anthony hasn’t had a home to call his own for 27 years. But after seven years’ hard work selling The Contributor, he finally has his own place.

Maria has always held physically demanding jobs, but recently that has been causing her pain and difficulty. Selling Street Roots gives her independence while she finds the right career. “They have always welcomed me,” she says.

After surviving an attempt on his life, Bluey developed PTSD. Drug use eventually cost him his career and he became homeless and isolated. Selling The Big Issue has helped him re-engage and secure a roof over his head, as well as enjoy a good book or a movie when his finances allow.

Rainer has always loved sailing, so after years of unstable employment he was happy to turn his hobby into a career. The boat became his home, so when his employer filed for bankruptcy he lost more than just his job. Through Hinz&Kunzt he has found new work, and hopes to one day buy his own boat.

Nathanial is an entrepreneur, inventor and artist, but what truly defines him is his talent for making friends. His customers feel they can open up to him, returning time and again to talk – and buy the paper.