Dennis Armfield and Cameron Wood braved the Christmas crowds in Bourke Street Mall on Saturday to sell copies of the 500th edition of The Big Issue.

Armed with a fluro yellow vest, a red hat and a bag full of magazines, the pair set out to raise as much money as they could for Victorian vendors.

One of those vendors is Craig, a mad Blues supporter who usually sells The Big Issue on Lygon Street in Carlton.

On Saturday however, Craig was located in Bourke Street Mall to give helpful selling tips to the boys – something they needed!

“They all loved Craig, everyone was buying from him – I think he sold more copies than us,” Armfield laughed.

Armfield, who was awarded the Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award on Brownlow night, says it’s imperative to stay connected with the local community.

“I think it’s really important to give back to the community, especially around this time of year.

“When this opportunity came up to sell The Big Issue, Woody and I jumped at the chance to help out and raise awareness around its 500th edition.”

More than 5,000 vendors have sold The Big Issue magazine since 1996, with about 500 vendors selling the magazine around Australia each week.

This edition also marks an increase to the price, from $6.00 to $7.00, with vendors now earning 50c more per magazine.

The Big Issue celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2016.