Random act of kindness to cheer up sick kids
The emergency department children’s ward in New Plymouth has had a boredom busting makeover.
In a random act of kindness Gabby’s Starlit Hope charity decorated the Taranaki Base Hospital ward by painting the walls and then covering them with coloured stars.
It also put up bright curtains, fairy lights, a TV and DVD player and threw in two La-z-y Boy chairs for the parents.
And Whanganui artists Tina Drayton donated three brightly coloured paintings.
The charity was started by Gabby Devine who died of bone cancer in 2015 aged 13. Gabby knew how boring it was to be stuck in hospital for long periods so started her charity to do random acts of kindness for sick children.
Gabby’s father Roly Devine said the makeover cost about $5000.
‘‘It’s one of the biggest single random acts of kindness we have done and huge for our little charity.’’
The emergency services organised a ball and raised $8000 for Starlit Hope, so it made sense to make the connection and use the money in ED, he said.
‘‘I want to give thanks to the emergency services organising committee and everyone who went to the ball, because without them this wouldn’t have happened.’’
ED clinical nurse manager Sharon Crowe said the ward looked amazing.
‘‘It’s made a big difference. It’s brightened the room up and given it a new fresh look for the children. It looks awesome.’’
She had received lots of feedback about the new look, she said. Especially about the La-z-y Boys for the parents.
‘‘They can sit there and relax. It puts the kids at ease because parents can relax and it’s a nice environment.’’
Outside the room is a bright blue box covered in polka dots that contains toys, puzzles and other activities donated by Starlit Hope, Crowe said.
‘‘We bring the toy box into the room and then take it back out again. ‘‘
Starlit Hope trustee Justin Marinovich said the long term goal was to make sure Gabby’s legacy in terms of random acts of kindness was able to carry on.