The Big Issue was saddened to hear that Patricia Merkin, founder, director and editor of the Argentinian street paper Hecho en Buenos Aires, has died.
Similar in aim to The Big Issue and other street papers around the world, Hecho en BS. AS. [meaning made in Buenos Aires] was launched in 2000 to help homeless people earn their own money by selling a magazine.
The social pages for Hecho en BS. AS. shared the sad news that its leader had died. In Spanish and English they wrote: “She was a warrior like few others and a vision for projects of love and unique inclusion. We will miss you so much!! All the stars are with you.”
Paul McNamee, editor of The Big Issue said: “Terrible news about the death of Patricia. She was a brilliant woman. A righteous legend from Buenos Aires. She had the spirit of Argentina to her. Totally fearless. One of the real global figureheads for street papers. An incredible life-force, great company, funny and fierce.
“A bit of joy has been extinguished. She will be missed by so many, not least the poorest in Argentina.”
Many others in the global street paper community have also paid tribute, including the International Network of Street Papers, who said:
