The Kindness Collective was formed from acknowledging that not every Kiwi has the same experience living in New Zealand.
“The charity was born after a challenging time in my life when I was dealing with depression and a diagnosis. While searching for tools to overcome the difficulties, I found that not everyone's ability to bounce back was the same,” said Sarah Page, founder and CEO of The Kindness Collective.
“I started a small community group, which became a nationwide charity, to give back and help myself heal. It was almost impossible to feel sad for your life when you were focusing on providing a better life for others.”
Eleven years later, knowing there’s still so much more to do has continued motivating Page.
At the same time, major highlights for her included providing Christmas for 20,109 children last year, winning New Zealand of the Year Community of the Year in 2023, and finding a community of people who have found joy in giving back.
Page said she admired many incredible women in the charity, social sector, and business world daily, including Angela and Dame Theresa Gattung for turning their good fortune into support for others, Cecilia Robinson for building businesses that make positive changes in Kiwis' lives, and Māhera Maihi, founder of Mā te Huruhuru, for changing lives with her social housing organisations, work-ready programmes, and advocacy in the housing insecurity space.
These women have built new, innovative charities and businesses with change at the forefront. Page advised others to listen to their guts, minds, and hearts regarding what they know to be true and be relentless in making it happen.
To her younger self, Page suggested having more balance.
“Founding, growing and managing a charity in the current social and economic climate is all-consuming; there will never be a day when we’re finished, so make sure to take time for yourself occasionally.”
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