Megaphone Magazine helps vendors support themselves 'with dignity'

Suzanne Kilroy once worked as a sex trade worker on the streets of Vancouver, but now she both writes for and sells Megaphone Magazine, a publication sold in Vancouver and Victoria by homeless and low-income vendors.

"I can pay my rent and support myself with dignity, selling this paper," said Kilroy, who has been selling the magazine for the last 10 years.

Kilroy was also one of four winners in the publication's contest to create a wrapping paper design. Wrapping paper with her winning snowflake design can be found in December's edition of the magazine.

Megaphone vendors buy copies of the magazine for 75 cents, and then sell it for $2, keeping the profits.

Kilroy said being a vendor has helped her secure consistent housing, support her children and grandchildren, and help others — she uses half her proceeds to cook food for the homeless.

Watch the video to see Kilroy tell CBC host Gloria Macarenko how Megaphone Magazine has impacted her life and see her winning wrapping paper.