The 2016 Sun International CEO SleepOut launched a special edition, Hope Talk, on 18 July.
The 40-page publication featuring inspirational and lighthearted articles will be given for free to the street vendors who sell Homeless Talk, and they will then sell it to the public at R10 each. All profits go to the vendors.
Partners and sponsors participating in the CEO SleepOut will purchase advertising space in the publication and funds will be awarded to Homeless Talk.
Luke Jentile, chief operations manager of Homeless Talk, said the 2015 CEO SleepOut rescued Homeless Talk during frustrating financial difficulties, adding that he warmly welcomed the call to be included in the 2016 CEO SleepOut.
“We are looking forward to actively participating in this world record-making social responsibility event,” Jentile said.
Hope Talk will feature international stars talking about their fight to get off the streets, as well as stories from local stars who faced challenges while living on the streets. Other feature stories include interviews with Homeless Talk street vendors as well as news of homelessness around the world. The newspaper will also feature advice on organisations one could support in order to make a difference to South Africa’s vulnerable communities.
“The idea is that this publication will help the homeless, directly and swiftly,” said editor, Nia Magoulianiti-McGregor.
“Helping your local Hope Talk and Homeless Talk seller by buying a copy is not going to dent homelessness or hunger long-term, but it’ll help someone – a real person with dreams and hopes, with a history and a story – sleep a bit better tonight.”
Jaco Koekemoer, chief executive officer at Caxton coldset printers said this was a project that inspires all who work on it, including Caxton CTP Publishers & Printers and Caxton Local Media. He said the company will lay out and print the publication for free. “Hope Talk lies close to my heart,” said Koekemoer.
“This newspaper will be published once a month, but is sold by close to 200 street vendors, and it is amazing to see that such a small paper pays it forward to assist and feed 200 households.”
Hope Talk will be available from Homeless Talk street vendors from 18 July.
