Taranaki Couple Honoured for Kindness to Sick Children

The Taranaki Daily News has named Roland and Sarah Devine as the Person of the Year for 2025, recognising their significant contributions to the community through their charity, Gabby’s Starlit Hope. The couple has dedicated their efforts to honour the memory of their late daughter, Gabby, who passed away from bone cancer at the age of 13. Gabby was posthumously awarded this honour in 2015, just seven months after her death.

Gabby’s Starlit Hope focuses on providing support to sick children in hospitals and their families. The charity distributes approximately 400 Play Parcels each month to nine hospitals throughout New Zealand, with the goal of eventually reaching every hospital in the country. These parcels contain toys and other gifts that help brighten the days of children undergoing difficult treatments. The Devines also create Baby and Mum Boxes and Bravery Boxes, which include items like superhero capes, to bring joy and comfort to families in need.

Community Impact and Support

The Devines prefer to work behind the scenes, allowing Gabby’s legacy to take centre stage. “Gabby is the main one being awarded,” Sarah explained, emphasizing the collective effort from the community that enables their initiatives. The couple credits numerous local supporters, highlighting the importance of community involvement in their mission.

One notable supporter was McKenzie Rowlands, a 17-year-old who passed away in May 2025. She generously donated her university savings to Gabby’s Starlit Hope. In her memory, the Devines donated a NZD 2,000 toy MRI machine to Taranaki Base Hospital, along with Christmas presents for children. “This will enable the staff to let the kids see the machine before they go in,” Sarah noted, highlighting the importance of easing children’s fears before medical procedures.

The Devines’ work does not go unnoticed. They receive support from various individuals, including a woman in Hāwera who makes quilts and teddy bears for children in hospitals, and students at Francis Douglas Memorial College who pack Baby and Mum Packs. Sarah remarked, “It’s like community of the year,” as they continue to build a network of kindness.

Creating Ripples of Kindness

Their community engagement extends to social media, where they mobilize support for various initiatives. When they called for donations for Christmas hampers, they received enough contributions to create 95 hampers despite having no funds available at the time. “That’s Taranaki. We couldn’t do what we do without them,” Sarah expressed, underscoring the strength of their community.

An organisation from Auckland, the Kindness Collective, provided them with a pallet of Lego, allowing them to deliver approximately 900 packages to children whose families might otherwise struggle to afford such items. The impact of their efforts creates a ripple effect, with other community members, including students from Sacred Heart, assisting in wrapping the Lego for distribution.

The Devines also assist families facing financial difficulties. Recently, they provided grocery vouchers and essential supplies to a mother with multiple children who was struggling to make ends meet. “That’s exactly what we like to do,” Sarah said, emphasising the importance of anonymity in their charitable efforts. “We never want thanks for it. It’s like being a catalyst for it.”

Through their work, Roland and Sarah Devine embody the spirit of community and kindness, proving that even small acts can lead to significant change. Their recognition as the Taranaki Daily News Person of the Year is not just an honour for them but a celebration of the entire community that supports their mission.