1000 Hearts and Sarah De Jonge’s heartwarming gesture for JackJumpers amid online abuse

In the midst of online abuse against the Tasmania JackJumpers players and their families, people from across the country raised the team’s spirits with a touching gesture.

Sean Macdonald of the JackJumpers drives to the basket during the round nine NBL match between Tasmania JackJumpers and Brisbane Bullets at MyState Bank Arena, on November 15, 2024, in Hobart, Australia. Picture: Photo by Steve Bell/Getty Images

In the midst of vile online abuse directed at Tasmania JackJumpers players and their families, warm-hearted people from across the country have leapt to their aid, making fabric hearts for the team as a “tangible embodiment of community and kindness”.

JackJumpers coach Scott Roth revealed last week that his players were being abused and threatened on social media, prompting the NBL to launch an investigation.

Sarah De Jonge founder of 1,000 Hearts has made along with her team kindness hearts for the Tasmania JackJumpers after the recent negative social media comments about the team. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

The ugly saga inspired Sarah De Jonge, the founder of social enterprise 1000 Hearts, to make a heartwarming gesture to Roth and the team.

“I just thought one thing I can do is send them some of our hearts that are made by our community, just with a note to say, ‘Put this in your pocket and hold it if you’re feeling that it’s a tough time’, and just to show a bit of community support in the face of those challenges,” she said.

Tasmania JackJumpers kindness hearts. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

“I sent 50 hearts to Scott Roth immediately that I had on hand. And he called me, actually, to say thank you, which I thought was such a lovely personal thing to do. And he was going to share them with the team last night or yesterday at some point before the game, which was beautiful to hear.”

Ms De Jonge, who is nominated for the 2025 Australian of the Year for Tasmania, said gift store Lily and Dot was serving as a drop-off point for the JackJumpers hearts, some of which are green and are embroidered with ant designs.

Scott Roth, Head Coach of the JackJumpers. Picture: Steve Bell/Getty Images

She said the hearts were made of pure wool felt, were a “tangible embodiment of community and kindness”, and had helped people across the world – both recipients and makers – cope with mental and physical illness and grief.

“When you’re making a heart and offering a heart, that’s a way of saying, ‘I care and I’m recognising you as another human being who needs support sometimes’. And that’s why it’s grown so much and evolved,” Ms De Jonge said.