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”.

Follow Us!
Instagram - @BENJAMINFOODS
In a year which has tested us all, we made over 1000 jars of jam and raised $3247 in only 5 weeks of online sales of benJAMin jams and BBQ sauce. This amount will make a massive difference to school children in Timor Leste but it also reaffirms the fundermental ‘goodness’ and decency of people....and this keeps me making jam! Thank you very much for all your support and I would like to wish you all a happy and safe Christmas. Benjamin #benJAMin #jamwithpurpose #boymakesjam #vivatimorleste #bekind #philanthropy @marymackilloptoday
Last order being shipped today....what a year this has been! #benJAMin #jamwithpurpose #boymakesjam #vivatimorleste #philanthropy #bekind @marymackilloptoday
It’s been months of hard work for me and my family but we are.....SOLD OUT! Words will never do justice to the gratitude we feel to everyone who have supported benJAMin @marymackilloptoday @harrisfarmmarkets @morcofresh #jamwithpurpose #boymakesjam #vivatimorleste #philanthropy #bekind
GREAT NEWS! My 3 Jam Gift Boxset is now available ONLINE! A perfect way to give the gift of love and purpose this Christmas #benJAMin #jamwithpurpose #makeitcount #christmasgifts #childrenseducation #vivatimorleste benjaminfoods.com.au @marymackilloptoday
ORDER UP! Online orders going out today....if you too would like to spread some benJAMin love go to our website benjaminfoods.com.au ....#benJAMin #jamwithpurpose #vivatimorleste #childrenseducation @marymackilloptoday
IT’S FINALLY HERE!
benJAMin now has a beautiful website. It’s a wonderful place to learn more about why I am motivated to help support children’s education in a Timor Leste with the sale of my delicious little jars of jam. For those who do not live in Sydney metro areas, it also gives you the opportunity to purchase some of his jams online.
I hope you enjoy looking through the site and that benJAMin’s journey inspires you to ‘JAM WITH PURPOSE’ too. https://www.benjaminfoods.com.au/ #benJAMin #jamwithpurpose #vivatimorleste #jams #marmalade #childrenseducation #philanthropy #boymakesjam
Well...”Hello Christmas Gift Giving!” Make it count with a jar of delicious benJAMin marmalade that will help a child gain an education! Available with their Christmas ties on at Harris Farm St Ives and Lindfield #jamwithpurpose #benJAMin #marmalade @marymackilloptoday @harrisfarmmarkets @morcofresh
‘benJAMin’ was started as a way to bring a little kindness and goodwill into my life and send it out again....throughout my journey I have been incredibly moved and inspired by the generosity of companies who have seen value in what I’m trying to do. I have to thank @morcofresh, @harrisfarmmarkets and @thewarraweeclub for their humbling and generous support. Your belief in what I’m doing says a great deal about the kind of organisations you are.....and that you too value kindness and the drive to give back. Thank you....
#benJAMin #boymakesjam #jamwithpurpose #marymackilloptoday #vivatimorleste
Someone’s been busy....someone’s been busy packing as much fruit into a jar....someone’s got some new exceptional jam flavours coming! Someone want to make a difference to children’s education in Timor Leste...
#benJAMin #boymakesjam #jamwithpurpose #vivatimorleste @marymackilloptoday @harrisfarmmarkets @morcofresh @thewarraweeclub
For me to make the best Strawberry & Vanilla Jam I need THE best strawberries....this week we received incredible support from @morcofresh. Their ‘Perfect Nature’ strawberries were some of the most delicious strawberries we have ever tasted....and that just makes THE most delicious jam! Thank you @morcofresh it’s going to be a exciting partnership #benJAMin #boymakesjam #jamwithpurpose #strawberries #thebeststrawberriesever
Got a bigger pot! #benJAMin #boymakesjam #jamwithpurpose #vivatimorleste #strawberries #strawberryjam #warraweebowlo @marymackilloptoday @harrisfarmmarkets @thewarraweeclub
Happy 19th Birthday you gentle man...19 years of basking in your excitement, delight and joy! Love you bub ❤️ @benjamin_foods @benjamin_burwood
NEW benJAMin flavours off to the Lab for Accelerated Shelf Life Testing today! #benJAMin #boymakesjam #jamwithpurpose #orangemarmalade #raspberryjam #vivatimorleste @harrisfarmmarkets 🍊🍓
I had the pleasure of handing over another cheque for $1300 to Mary MacKillop Today. This will go a long way to supporting school children manage the dangers of Covid-19 in Timor Leste. Thank you for your support @harrisfarmmarkets #wereallinthistogether #benJAMin #jamwithpurpose #boymakesjam #vivatimorleste @marymackilloptoday
Recipe testing....sweet orange marmalade and orange marmalade loaf cake 🍊 #benJAMin #jamwithpurpose #boymakesjam
A kind soul recognised another kind soul and went out of their way to say so to @Woolworths Management. It’s always wonderful to be recognised for your kindness. #bekind #benJAMin #jamwithpurpose #boymakesjam
Error: There is no connected account for the user 17841444354492046. Feed will not update.
benjamin_foods is in Sydney, Australia.
23 December
In a year which has tested us all, we made over 1000 jars of jam and raised $3247 in only 5 weeks of online sales of benJAMin jams and BBQ sauce. This amount will make a massive difference to school children in Timor Leste but it also reaffirms the fundermental ‘goodness’ and decency of people....and this keeps me making jam! Thank you very much for all your support and I would like to wish you all a happy and safe Christmas. Benjamin #benJAMin #jamwithpurpose #boymakesjam #vivatimorleste #bekind #philanthropy @marymackilloptoday ... See MoreSee Less
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on Linked InShare by Email
Comment on Facebook
You are amazing Benjamin, and your jam is delicious! Well done for being so proactive and making a difference to so many. Wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas 🎄 Ms Wilton
What a wonderful shared achievement Benjamin. We hope you have a very happy Christmas with your beautiful family. 🎄💕💕
Legend!!
Excellent work by everyone .... well done Benjamino ... Sxx
Excellent effort Benjamin . A fine example of how caring and kindness can make a happy difference for people. Congratulations darling Nana and Poppy x
Ann and Max you must be very proud grandparents xx
View more comments
benjamin_foods is in Sydney, Australia.
16 November
ORDER UP! Online orders going out today....if you too would like to spread some benJAMin love go to our website benjaminfoods.com.au ....#Benjamin #jamwithpurpose #VIVATimorleste #childrenseducation @marymackilloptoday ... See MoreSee Less
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on Linked InShare by Email
Comment on Facebook
benjamin_foods
11 November
Well...”Hello Christmas Gift Giving!” Make it count with a jar of delicious benJAMin marmalade that will help a child gain an education! Available with their Christmas ties on at Harris Farm St Ives and Lindfield #jamwithpurpose #Benjamin @marymackilloptoday @harrisfarmmarkets @morcofresh ... See MoreSee Less
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on Linked InShare by Email
Comment on Facebook
Delish!! 🎄🎄