1000 Hearts is a kindness community...
1000 Hearts is a global kindness community that I accidentally started in 2016 because I felt like the world really needed a bit of love.

When I began 1000 Hearts, I hand-stitched one thousand pocket hearts to be given away in random acts of kindness. I started getting messages from people who received the hearts and was touched to realise the power of these little hearts, which people carried as talismans of love, courage, hope and comfort.

Many people asked me for additional hearts to share, and lots of people started making and distributing hearts themselves. A community started to grow from my small act of love; a community where kindness and connection are valued and hearts are healed.

I believe that being kind to ourselves and others helps us, and our world, to heal. 1000 Hearts brings together a few of my greatest passions. Ever since I was a small child, I’ve collected small items to carry as talismans against fear and sadness…Since the project started, I’ve made many thousands of hearts and lots of others have joined in, creating a global network of “heartists” committed to spreading kindness. Together, we have offered hearts to people struggling with a wide variety of challenges like loneliness, mental illness, sickness and bereavement. We have sent hearts to places impacted by violence, natural disasters and acts of terrorism. We have also offered thousands of hearts to charities, services and individuals who need a bit of love.

Here at 1000 Hearts, we believe that kindness can change the world. If you believe in the power of love, you’re in good company here.

Sarah de Jonge and her 1000 Hearts project has been brought to 23OPCC by Susanna Walker, Clinical Nurse Specialist from the NSW Health Illawarra Shoalhaven Community Palliative Care Service. 

Join Sarah and Susanna outside the Exhibition Hall in the foyer, where you can enjoy a refreshing pause from the conference hustle. Discover the art of sewing a heart— Craft one for a fellow conference attendee or contribute yours to the 1000 Hearts project, an initiative aimed at spreading kindness far and wide. Any spare hearts made during the conference will be donated to the Adolescent and Young Adult Hospice in Manly. Your participation adds both creativity and compassion to 23OPCC.