Over the past 8 years, our MATES Junior programme has been supported by Deuce’s Young Hearts Project.   

Deuce’s Young Hearts Project, founded in 2014 by Shane Anselmi, Director of Merchant 1948, recognises the need to provide opportunities for young people to develop skills and resilience and feel empowered to deal with these challenges.  The Young Hearts Project strives to support, inspire and empower young people.

With every purchase of a full-price pair of Deuce, $2 is donated to the Young Hearts Project. Merchant 1948 has raised over $1.8 million dollars through the sale of Deuce sneakers, with $2 from every pair donated to the Young Hearts Project over the past 8 years.

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Young Hearts Project 2022

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In September, Hester and Jess, two of our MATES Coordinators, joined the latest campaign of Merchant 1948 as the Deuce’s Young Hearts Project heroes. On the day, Hester and Jess had the chance to try on different Deuce shoes and did a professional photo shoot. They were also filmed talking about the MATES Junior programme, what they love about their roles, and how the support from Merchant 1948 and the Young Hearts Project support the MATES programme.

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Hester (left) and Jess (Right) 

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“It was a special day of being inspired by the different organisations that Merchant 1948 supports. Along with the team from Graeme Dingle Foundation and Youthline we entered a space where our shared experiences became stories of the impact we were able to make towards our young people's lives with the help of the Young Hearts Project.” Jess says.

“Massive thanks to the Merchant 1948 team who did our hair and makeup, styled wardrobe, interviewer, photographer, and videographer who made this campaign a success. We appreciated everyone who made this day happen and who made us feel like celebrities for a day.”

Thank you to the support from Merchant 1948, it allows our MATES programme to continue addressing the underachievement in the education of disadvantaged youth and intervening in a young person's education during the transition from intermediate school to high school.