Sarah De Jonge

Founder, 1000 Hearts

2025 TAS Australian of the Year Nominee

Sarah De Jonge believes that kindness can change the world. In 2016, she started the social enterprise 1000 Hearts as a way of offering kindness, hope and comfort to those in need. The movement has reached people around the world, including schools, healthcare services and community groups. 

Through 1000 Hearts, Sarah inspires people to sew and share pocket-sized fabric love hearts. The hearts are small gestures of love and kindness for people of all ages who may be facing challenges like physical and mental illnesses, trauma or grief. 

Carrying one of Sarah’s hearts has helped people deal with anxiety, grief, depression and separation from loved ones. She has also sent hearts to places impacted by violence, natural disasters and acts of terrorism. 

Sarah has started an online community that connects and supports people from around the world.  Through 1000 Hearts, she is showing love and kindness in troubled times.