18 February 2020
Meet Ben!
More of a “think-with-your-heart” kind of guy, Ben studied Social Services, spent most of his career in the community development space, and now works as a Community Cohesion Officer with Hume.
His role is diverse and all about the customer, from planning senior events to dressing up as Santa, every day holds something new.
“My last role was in the Disability Community Development sector and it was the genesis of my passion for working within this space.
I’ve always felt like I’ve been more of a think-with-your-heart kind of guy. Ironically, I started off in banking and soon realised it wasn’t for me – it was missing that human aspect.
After wrapping things up in my previous role, I was looking for another organisation that shared similar values to me and had a generalist role available. I just love Hume’s vibes, I got along straight away with my team, and I thought to myself ‘If these guys are a representation of what this organisation stands for, then I want to be a part of that’; I really feel a sense of humanity in this work.
When I first started, we had the End of Year event at Liverpool and I dressed up as Santa Claus. It was a very low-budget outfit and I handed out presents to all the kids. My heart went out to them – I’m a father of four and I knew these kids probably didn’t have the same luxuries that some of us can afford for our families. I wanted to do something more for them, make the experience memorable and magical.
At our Staff End of Year Celebration, we were kindly gifted with a $50 voucher. I knew I wanted to put this towards a bigger and better Santa outfit for the next event, present sack and all. I went on a little spree in a $2 shop, packed my bag with presents and was ready to swelter in that Santa suit if only to see the smiles on those kids’ faces. It was a hit and afterwards one of the parents came up to and said ‘My kids had the time of their lives at this event. Thank you so much for what you’ve done for us’ – I couldn’t keep the grin off my face and that is just one of the many moments I cherish from my time with Hume."