Kindness.

It's a state of mind and a skill, which at times can feel like it's missing from our modern lives. Today ACM, the owner of this masthead launched a partnership with the Kindness Factory.

Founded by Kath Koschel, Kindness Factory is a not-for-profit organisation that aims to spread kindness, hope and respect around the world. In addition to encouraging small acts of generosity and thoughtfulness, the charity delivers a Kindness Curriculum to schools, to help children develop resilience and positivity.

As part of our partnership ACM will extend the Kind Schools network to add 80 more Australia schools.

Kath was a rising cricket star and dreamed of playing for Australia when she broke her back. Her recovery was marred by further trauma, including the loss of her partner and another accident which broke her back a second time. Kath credits simple acts of kindness with getting her through her darkest moments.

As part of our partnership our subscribers, readers and advertisers are being asked to support Kindness Factory by logging an act of kindness at kindnessfactory.com.

While you are considering your act of kindness there are two stories in our publication today that showcase the depths of generosity in the Illawarra.

The Henchion family watched their home destroyed in a fire in October and the community has raised $55,000 to help them get back on their feet. Now the Illawarra Folk club are extending a helping hand by putting on a fundraising Folk night in November.

And in Woonona tragic Keira Daly, aged seven, is being surrounded by goodwill from family, friends and strangers after she lost both parents to illness. Domino's Pizza is holding a 'Doughraiser' today and will donate $2 from every pizza sold to support Keira and her extended family.

If you need examples of kindness, just look around the Illawarra.

- Gayle Tomlinson