QBE executive Sally Kincaid donned The Big Issue’s trademark fluorescent vest and joined vendor Rachel on Sydney’s Park Street last week.

Ms Kincaid was among 60 Australian executives and politicians who participated in International Street Paper Vendor Week, which recognises 28,000 vendors around the world and aims to challenge stereotypes around poverty and homelessness.

The Big Issue, a QBE Foundation charity partner, helps homeless, disadvantaged and marginalised people “help themselves” by selling its magazine.

QBE Foundation Chairman and Chief Human Resources Officer Ms Kincaid says being a vendor was an “incredibly confronting” experience.

“It was a real eye-opener to understand first-hand just a little of what Big Issue vendors like Rachel face every day in their efforts to build a better life by selling street papers,” she said.

The Big Issue receives a one-off donation of $50,000-$100,000 and a 12-month commitment of support under its QBE Foundation partnership.

The insurer will offer staff opportunities to volunteer throughout the year.

“The QBE Foundation is incredibly proud to support The Big Issue and I’m so glad to have been able to take some time to really get behind people striving to overcome disadvantage and live more independently through their own hard work,” Ms Kincaid said.