Did you know that World Kindness Day is celebrated every year on November 13? While we shouldn’t need a day to remind ourselves to be nice to others, recognise the good deeds people do within their communities and the positive impact it can make on people.
This year, the mindful beauty brand, the KIND Collective is partnering with Big W to donate 100 per cent of its sales in-store and online to The Kindness Factory.
The not-for-profit organisation, founded by Kath Koschel, is on a mission to make the world a kinder place. Kath was named 2025 NSW Australian of the Year 2025 thanks to her work promoting kindness in the community. We spoke with Kath about her triumph over adversity and the power of kindness — read it here.
KIND Collective is an Australian-born beauty brand that crafts vegan-friendly, PETA-accredited and cruelty-free beauty products. It is also collaborating with Australian television and radio star Chrissie Swan about her passion for spreading kindness. We sat down with Chrissie to chat about the positive power of being kind.
World Kindness Day is a special celebration worldwide. Can you share what kindness means to you and why it’s so important?
It just makes me feel good! An act of kindness is all my good feelings in one place. Someone must’ve done one kind thing for me when I was a kid and it made me beam with happiness, I liked that feeling and I can’t remember a time that I haven’t wanted to make other people feel that way too.
Everyone is so busy with their own lives, that a small act of kindness stops most people in their tracks and they are forced to take a minute to smile and remember that life is lovely and they are lovely too.
You’ve said that kindness is a daily practice. Could you share some of the small but meaningful things you do to bring kindness into your daily life?
They don’t have to be grand gestures the most powerful acts of kindness are my quiet, sustained, daily ones. I speak to people with warmth and respect. I show people I’m HAPPY to see them (probably a bit too enthusiastically but I can’t help it!)
I ask questions and listen to the answers. I think everyone just wants to feel like they belong and kindness shows them they do. Of course, then there are the giant cook-ups and food drops I do for stressed loved ones.
What advice would you give to someone who might feel overwhelmed or unsure about how to start practising kindness?
Start at home because it’s easy. Whoever you see first in the morning, look them in the eye and say ‘What a treat to see you today and I didn’t even have to leave the house!’ Or ‘You have a big day today, is there anything I can do to make it easier?’ Even if they say no, the fact you’ve acknowledged them and their situation will make them feel beloved.
You’ve been in the public eye for over 20 years. How has your view of kindness evolved over that time, especially with all the ups and downs that come with fame?
This is going to sound weird, but I don’t feel like I’m even *in* the ‘public eye’ or ‘famous’. I don’t feel any different to how I did when I was seven! I guess the difference is I have a bigger pool of people I can be kind to!
One would think that as you’re in media, you would have to deal with your fair share of unkind comments. Can you advise how to not let other’s opinions bring you down?
I often read questions like this and I can’t relate! I have had the most wonderful time in the media. I feel very ‘seen’ and ‘known’ by everyone and always have, really. I think it might be because I have spent a lot of time getting to know myself very well, so I know who I am.
Anyone’s negative opinion of me feels like it’s about someone else — not me — so it truly doesn’t affect me. This is probably odd but there you go! I truly assume the best of everyone. I assume everyone is just doing their best. Some days are better than others for everyone, and an act of kindness can really change someone’s day.
How do you think we, as a society, can better support one another, especially in an era where online negativity can sometimes feel overwhelming?
Believe in everyone’s goodness! Understand that we are all human, and if someone is being negative to you it is not about you, it is probably that they are tired/overwhelmed/unappreciated. If you can be kind to a person who’s not being kind to themselves you may actually be able to remind them of their magic. And kindness breeds kindness, I know that much is true!
This year, you’ve partnered with The KIND Collective. What drew you to this partnership?
They’re KIND by name and KIND by nature. The products are great, they don’t hurt animals or people to get them on shelves. The team is small and lovely. And they truly live by their philosophy. I like authenticity!
This World Kindness Day, 100% of KIND Collective sales at Big W are being donated to the Kindness Factory. How do you see this helping to make a lasting impact, especially on young Australians?
Being kind requires a daily shift from focusing on the negative to the positive. It requires ‘looking up’ and realising we are actually all NOT alone in this crazy ride called life, but part of a greater community of humans all muddling along at different rates and stages. We are all doing our best, and kindness tells us we are doing a great job.
The Kindness Factory’s mission is all about ensuring the next generation grows up with kindness as a foundation. How do you instil kindness in your own family, especially with your kids?
Respect is the kindest thing you’ll ever show your kids. Acknowledgement of their feelings and opinions is a great start! Respect for their own individual place in the world, not just as my child, but as individuals separate from me. Open channels of communication are also good. Showing them when I don’t ’have it all together’ reminds them it’s ok to stumble and it’s human to have days where it’s a bit much. But naming those feelings, and knowing it’s temporary, is a kind thing to do for those around you because then they know they are not the problem.
What’s one message you’d like to share with readers of The Australian Women’s Weekly on World Kindness Day?
Do one thing today that makes you AND someone else beam. It doesn’t have to be massive. Eye contact and a meaningful smile are great starts. Human beings love a compliment but make it about who they are or how they make you feel. A text message works wonders! Smile at strangers. Tell someone they smell great. Hug your barista. Don’t keep your good opinions about others to yourself — say them out loud. Remind people they belong in the world. It’s good for everyone!
For World Kindness Day, KIND Collective is donating 100 percent of its sales from BIG W to The Kindness Factory. Find out more on the website.
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