THE BIG SWISH FESTIVAL OF SUSTAINABLE FASHION AT THE O2 ARENA

The Complimentary Kindness Team was in full swing at Betsy’s Clothes Swap Shop’s Big Swish Festival of Sustainable Fashion event at the O2 Arena on Sunday 24th November. We captured compliments of the attendees and guest speakers who wanted to express kind words of appreciation and gratitude to people in their lives. The compliments were flowing and numerous people were inspired to post or distribute compliment cards to friends, work colleagues and family members who were not present but could also enjoy the experience. Founder of Complimentary Kindness, Sharon Wilson, also moderated a Panel Session titled Beauty Has No Size explored how size relates to sustainability and how inclusivity and diversity are needed in order to create a more sustainable future for fashion.

Mental health week

Kindness is contagious and has the power to alter moods, shift perceptions and aid well-being. As part of the Mental Health week activities at the London Business School, we saw friends, students, colleagues, and faculty members taking time out of their busy schedules to appreciate each other by giving compliments.

Kindhearted

The following picture is of a British Heart Foundation window display which contains many moving messages.  It highlights the importance of taking care of our hearts and those of others, both physically and emotionally.

Valentine’s Day is the official day to display love and affection for that special person in our lives.  This usually comes in the form of sentimental cards, red roses & chocolates to symbolise our love and care for the people who have captured our hearts.  However, some people express their love through acts of kindness and gratitude, throughout the year, rather than just on this one particular day. A global study showed that over 10,000 people from 33 countries consider kindness to be one of the most important qualities in a romantic partner.

 And for those who are single? It doesn’t have to be a day when you focus on what is missing in your life - you can acknowledge and appreciate the valuable people you already have around you: friends, colleagues or family members. Give them a compliment to make their day special, as well as your own!

It all started when…

Our City, London, experienced a series of tragedies - from the Grenfell fire to the London Bridge terror attacks, it felt like it was beyond important to create a Complimentary Kindness event. So we did at London’s St Pancras Station on 30th September. There was two Compliment stands on site, one for "Giving” compliments and the other for "Receiving” them. We believed it would be a great way for the London community to come together and show that, despite the recent tragedies, we are still a kind, compassionate and united community.  As kindness is contagious this simple act of gratitude and good will made people feel happy and positive for the day.  Sir Elton John donated a piano at the station so that people could express themselves and artists such as John Legend and Ed Sheeran have performed there.  There was also a Compliment wall, like they had at the London Olympics 2012 where people left notes or wrote description about the experience. It was a a truly kind and complimentary day.  

Two friends compliment each other on their strong friendship over the years, highlighting their great qualities and the life challenges they have overcome together.

A couple share with the public their love for one another and how happy they make each other and will continue to do so for many years to come.

A married couple declare their love and appreciation for each other and how much they were looking forward to celebrating their 4 year anniversary together.

A Mother compliments her daughter for being so amazing throughout her health issues and shares with the public how much she loves and values her.