Northern Beaches ‘Viral Kindness’ Founder Sam Mccourt Manly Local Woman of The Year

James Griffin Member for Manly today announced Sam McCourt as Manly’s Local Woman of the Year. Sam, who has been a long time supporter of various Manly charities and all round community legend, launched the Northern Beaches ‘Viral Kindness’ initiative during the Covid-19 restrictions. She has since gone on to develop the Kindness Coffees concept which is launching shortly for vulnerable community members in the Manly area.

Ms McCourt, who was previously an Oncology Nurse at Manly Hospital, helped found ‘Viral Kindness’ in March 2020 to assist people across the Northern Beaches during the Covid-19 pandemic. The group today has over 3,000 members and has supported people in a variety of different ways. It connected the community at a time of crisis and demonstrated the positive impact that the actions of one person can have.

Following the Viral Kindness initiative, Sam formed Kindness Coffees Manly in 2020. Kindness Coffees is an innovative and accessible way for people to offer support to Manly’s rough sleepers and people in need of assistance.

Sam joined Mr Griffin and Minister for Women Bronnie Taylor at the Woman of the Year Awards, hosted at the ICC, where she received her award among other women celebrated including NSW Woman of the Year, Dr Kerry Chant.

“It is a real honour to receive this year’s Manly Local Woman of the Year awards and be recognised along side some huge champions of 2020, like Dr Kerry Chant.” Ms McCourt said.

“I am pleased to have made an impact on the lives of some the people in our community hardest hit by COVID last year. It has been an absolute privilege to be able to help those in need.”

This year’s NSW Women’s Week theme is #ChooseToChallenge and is promoting financial independence, greater opportunities and entrepreneurship of women across the state.

Mr Griffin commended Sam’s work within the community.

“She is a true inspiration to women who want to get involved in their community and launch their own programs of support. When Sam founded Viral Kindness it was a demonstration of someone starting a movement that made a huge impact when it was needed the most. I think she is truly deserving of this year’s award.” Mr Griffin said.

NSW Women’s week kicked off on Monday celebrating International Women’s Day and on Wednesday acknowledged the efforts of women around our state. Information about this year’s Women of the Year Award winners can be found here: https://www.women.nsw.gov.au/