In times of hardship, Joanne Griffiths believes it’s important for people experiencing difficulties to feel a sense of belonging.
The Iramoo Community Centre, where Ms Griffiths works as the community development officer, hopes to provide support to local organisations and charities in Wyndham by providing them with hand sewn hearts.
The little hearts can then be gifted to those in need, Ms Griffiths said.
“The COVID-19 lockdowns in Melbourne were tough and isolated a lot of our community members,” she said.
“We wanted to reach out and spread a little joy so decided to put together 1000 Hearts packs to gift to the community to either make a heart for themselves or to gift it to a neighbour, friend, or someone important to them,”
The initiative is important, Ms Griffiths said, as it gives a small gift of kindness to people struggling with challenges like loneliness, mental illness, sickness and bereavement.
“We believe the hearts shared gives people hope and gratitude in a time of need,” Ms Griffiths said.
“It also benefits the people who are gifting the hearts as it brings a sense of happiness and joy to give to others.
“We feel being connected helps people to overcome challenges more easily and maintain a better state of mental well-being,” she said.
Ten people participated in the first session, but the centre is hoping the number of attendees increases the next time the group meets at 10am, May 26.
Once more than 50 hearts have been sewn, the group will drop them off to Werribee Mercy Hospital to be gifted to families with loved ones in palliative care.
