A Vendor

After the madness of the preceding weeks there’s nothing like the relaxed atmosphere of Christmas Eve, heralding the arrival of the festive holidays. To mark the occasion yesterday afternoon was a glorious summer twilight with a comfortable temperature and clear skies.

Already the roads were noticeably quieter with many people having left town for their family retreats. Around the Harbour Bridge at Kirribilli people ambled along the foreshore as a massive ocean liner reversed out of Circular Quay then headed for the open sea. It’s a great time of year to be in Sydney.

At nearby Milson’s Point station I observed a constant flow of locals with plastic shopping bags containing bottles of champagne, gifts and food, possibly. They moved between the station, the hotel and the Kirribilli restaurants to join friends for a relaxed drink before today’s big family day.

Waiting at the cab rank I also observed a bloke selling The Big Issue, a fortnightly current affairs and entertainment magazine dedicated to the homeless, the unemployed and the marginalised. These people are sub-contracted to sell the magazine and receive half of the five dollar cover price. It’s a worthy international initiative underwritten by various organisations and supported by advertising.

After some twenty minutes I noticed the bloke hadn’t sold one magazine to the passing crowd. It wasn’t for the lack of trying for he was discretely attempting to make eye contact, from a respectful distance, rather than directly accosting them. It’s just that they weren’t ‘seeing’ him. So when he finally gave up and headed to the station I called him over.

After I purchased a magazine we chatted for about five minutes. He was a friendly and contented soul aged around forty five years with a big cheery grin revealing missing front teeth. I quizzed him on alternative jobs he’d done like washing windscreens at intersections and car detailing. But selling The Big Issue on street corners was his preferred occupation.

Finally a fare arrived and I had to go. Shaking hands we exchanged Christmas greetings and as I climbed into the cab he said, “Thanks for talking to me, eh.” It was clearly a genuine sentiment.

Driving away I sensed that even if I’d bought twenty magazines our interaction was just as important to him. Indeed, The Big Issue website lists this personal element as an integral part of the vendors’ trade. Best wishes and a wonderful Christmas to them.

Comments

[Paul Pluta]

Hello!
MERRY X-MAS!
It just goes to show that you dont need big $$$$ to make somebody happy.... the simple act of conversation is a luxury to some people (very sad).....

Nice to see Adrian - you are a top bloke !!!

Thanks for helping a disadvantaged person ..... $5- well spent......

Unfortunately it is the people who could not care less about $5- who would never help!

THIS IS A GREAT x-MAS STORY !!!! IN THE TRUE GIVING SPIRIT!!!

WELL DONE!!!!

[wokka]

Adrian
I hope you had a great day. Thanks for the posts this year.
I have to recount a story early last Friday morning. I was at Safeway, in inner Melbourne, when I stumbled across a staff attendent.
After apologetic (friendly) conversation, he turned and said, direct to me: 'Merry Xmas'.
Absolutely no need for it. His approqach was sincere, friendly and genuinely warm.
It was a lovely feeling.
It's an old saying, but it doesnt't cost much. Does it?
Merry Xmas, and great NY and holiday, to yourself and all your readers.