Our firm, Hewison Private Wealth, is a generous company – supporting Sacred Heart Mission through its charitable arm, the Hewison Foundation, but also allowing all staff days of leave to volunteer at the Mission itself. And that is how the seven of us found ourselves leaving the suits at home and stepping into gear fitting for the preparation of the lunch at the Sacred Heart Mission.  Hair nets and all!

None of us had commercial kitchen experience, except for Simon, one of our Directors/Financial Advisors who worked through his youth at McDonalds…not quite the same thing!

Fortunately we found our feet quickly, thanks to the amazing kitchen staff. Jeannie is a treasure – the perfect combination of patient, friendly and efficient. We were stunned to learn that Jeannie is a volunteer – that the chefs are the only paid staff in the kitchen. The kitchen runs on blood, sweat and perhaps even a few tears – it’s truly incredible that most of the people sweating it out are volunteers.

But I think I know why they do it week in, week out. It’s real. It’s grounding. And it’s a bloody good reality check for those of us who lead a more comfortable life. For me it really helped to break down my preconceived ideas around homelessness and those who are homeless. The lunch patrons were welcoming, patient and extremely polite with our clumsy service and rookie errors. Their gratitude for what they receive was abundantly evident. What surprised me most of all was the friendly vibe in the café – friends joined one another on tables and enjoyed a yarn and catch up. There was a real sense of community. I guess I didn’t expect such a friendly atmosphere.

For a few days August teams of staff from Hewison Private Wealth exchanged their computers and keyboards for a day of washing dishes, peeling greens, cutting lemons, chopping carrots and clearing tables. I won’t deny it, it was hard work but it what an amazing experience. If you’ve got a spare day in your calendar, put your hand up to volunteer – it’s good to get out of your comfort zone every now and then. And it’s a great way to break down your own stereotypes about homelessness.

Hewison Private Wealth is a Melbourne based independent financial advice firm. The firm also has a charitable arm, the Hewison Foundation. The Hewison Foundation is a public ancillary fund that supports the Sacred Heart Mission.

Join us at our Triva Night to raise funds for the Sacred Heart Mission and the Hewison Foundation.

Trivia Night
Thursday 26 October
7.00pm @ Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron
Click here for details