A Tasmanian woman who hand-stitched 1,000 pocket hearts as random acts of kindness has been awarded a $15,000 grant to expand her heartfelt initiative.
Sarah De Jonge of Kingston received the prestigious AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award for 2025 in recognition of her 1,000 Hearts Project.
The project, which began in 2016 with the belief that kindness significantly impacts health and wellbeing, has since grown into a global movement.
De Jonge, whose background in psychology and counselling informed the project, said it has grown into something “far beyond what I ever imagined”.
“The response from communities, hospitals and individuals across the world has been overwhelming,” she said.
“There is something incredibly powerful in a small, tangible token that reminds people they are not alone.”
Thanks to the grant, more people facing illness, grief or hardship will receive hearts as a symbol of comfort and support.
De Jonge is now in the running for an additional $20,000 grant at the national awards in September.
The awards also recognised three other Tasmanian women for their inspiring work.
Toni Coward received the Encouragement Award for her Sheila May Swim project, while Christina Giudici and Filipa Bellette each received Development Awards for their respective ventures in biochar production and functional medicine.
