Boy Makes Jam With Purpose.

At the tender age of 10, Benjamin asked his parents if he could make jam. It was a defining moment for a young boy who had just been told he had a genetic condition called Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1). Born with this condition meant that his journey through school had added challenges. Making jams allowed him to feel competent, remarkable and most of all – happy!

For years, Benjamin made his jams as gifts for family, friends and his supportive teachers.

Eventually, Benjamin suggested that he could ‘sell’ his jams and raise money for charities. His parents suggested perhaps helping children who also experienced challenges throughout their school life. He chose to help the poorest school children from his mother’s birth country, Timor-Leste where over 50% of the population live below the poverty line. In support of the charitable work of Mary MacKillop Today (MMT), Benjamin donated all his profits to help provide vital resources to some of the poorest schools in this tiny island nation. This mission to provide resources such as basic stationery, classroom furniture, school meals and teacher training is what motivates Benjamin to make his jams. It also combines his great passion for fruit and small batch jam making.

“Doing something for others put my own challenges into perspective…. helping others achieve also helps me to achieve”

It is fair to say, he and his family have derived as much pleasure from his fundraising as those who benefit from the use of the funds raised. Benjamin continues to dedicate his time to making jams and raising money for these children and will continue to do so in his bright foreseeable future. It is defined by his motto “Make Jam With Purpose”.