Club members also raised awareness and fund raised to purchase 1000 birthing kits for assembly and distribution to third world countries.

Zonta president Margaret Bateman said the sale of hearts is an integral part of the organisation's fundraising.

"We sold hearts for $3 representing the cost of each birthing kit which could potentially save the life of a mother and her baby," Ms Bateman said.

"The Birthing Kit Foundation (in South Australia) partners with local organisations, governments and health service providers in third world countries who distribute birthing kits to vulnerable women to enable a cleaner and safer birthing environment.  

"Zonta Clubs throughout Australia participate in birthing kit assembly projects. 

"Donations from the public and corporate sponsors are very welcome."

The fundraising effort coincided with World Population Day.

"In 1989, the Governing Council of the United Nations Development Program recommended that 11 July be observed by the international community as World Population Day," Ms Bateman said.

"This is a day to focus attention on the urgency and importance of population issues, such as the importance of family planning, gender equality, poverty, maternal health and human rights.

"World Population Day was inspired by public interest in Five Billion Day on July 11, 1987, the approximate date on which the world's population reached five billion people.

"The day also seeks to focus attention on the urgency and importance of population issues."

Ms Bateman said World Population Day was first marked in 1990 in more than 90 countries. 

Since then, a number of a number of UNFPA country offices and other organisations and institutions commemorate World Population Day, in partnership with governments and civil society, she said.