Black Pepper’s ‘Kindness Quest’ has returned for its fourth year, with the women’s fashion retailer on the hunt to find the country’s kindest person.
The nationwide search, which kicks off today online and across Black Pepper’s 80 retail stores, is hosted annually ahead of World Kindness Day on November 13th.
This year, Black Pepper is calling upon individuals and charity groups to nominate someone within their communities who is making a big difference.
“We are thrilled to once again be hosting the Black Pepper ‘Kindness Quest’ as we look to honour some of the unsung heroes within our communities,” said Black Pepper spokesperson, Marie McGuffie.
“Over the past three years we have come across some remarkable individuals having an impact on those around them, proving that a little bit of kindness goes a long way.”
Previous winners Joy Sparks from the Mornington Peninsula and Heather Baird from Gippsland both in Victoria and Rose Darling from Adelaide are ambassadors for the 2025 search.
Heather, who was placed in orphanages and foster homes from the age of 2½, faced a childhood full of challenges. But what stuck with her most was going to school in worn-out clothes, standing beside other children and wishing she had something nice to wear – something that made her feel like she belonged.
Determined to make life better for kids like her, Heather founded A Better Life for Foster Kids in 2014. The charity now provides essential support to foster children and their carers across Australia – offering clothing, toiletries, furniture, advice, referrals and funding to help kids participate in everyday childhood activities.
“I was incredibly honoured to be named Australia’s Kindest Person in 2024,” Heather said.
“This recognition isn’t about me – it’s about all the children who deserve to feel safe, seen and supported. Kindness is powerful. It changes lives.”
Rose Darling, the 2023 winner, is the co-founder and chairperson of Port Adelaide charity Community Help and Togetherness (CHATS) – a 100% volunteer-run organisation providing meals, groceries, clothing and essential household items to people who are socially isolated or experiencing hardship.
The search’s inaugural winner, Joy Sparks, is a retired teacher from Victoria who spends her time cooking hearty meals and preparing beds and backpacks with essential items for people sleeping rough in her local community.
Nominations for Black Pepper’s 2025 Kindness Quest are open now until Wednesday, September 3rd.
State winners for VIC/TAS, NSW/ACT, SA/WA and QLD/NT will be selected by public vote from a shortlist of three finalists, with members of the community invited to cast their vote either in-store or online from September 17th.
The overall national winner will be announced at a special event on World Kindness Day, November 13th.
The national winner will receive a $5,000 donation to a charity of their choice, plus a $1,000 Black Pepper wardrobe and an in-store styling experience. Each state winner will receive a $500 charity donation and a $500 Black Pepper voucher.
To nominate someone who deserves to be recognised, head to https://www.blackpepper.com.au/pages/world-kindness-day.
