Young film star brightens kids' day

James Rolleston, of Boy and The Dark Horse fame (left), Pato Alvarez from Pato Entertainment and Hilary Price, chief executive of Homes of Hope, at yesterday's special Christmas barbecue party. Photo / George Novak

Two things will happen at Homes of Hope this Christmas - young lives will be protected and the children will be showered with love.

A stunning example of that shone brightly at a specially hosted Christmas barbecue at the Homes of Hope Tauranga yesterday, attended by VIP guest Boy and The Dark Horse star James Rolleston.

Homes of Hope is a registered charitable trust which provides safe homes for children who are victims of neglect and abuse, and has cared for 150 children over the past 12 years.

The barbecue, attended by 25-30 children, was hosted by Pato Entertainment director Pato Alvarez and his wife Monique, firm supporters and advocates of the charity.

Rolleston, 17, was swamped by his excited young fans who had put out the welcome mat.

Many of the older youngsters scrambled to get his autograph on scraps of paper.

Meanwhile, the children's smiles said it all.

Rolleston, who appeared overwhelmed by all the fuss, told the Bay of Plenty Times he was excited to be asked and jumped at the opportunity when he heard about Homes of Hope.

"I was really pleased to be asked and keen to be involved. I think it's brilliant for the kids, who would rarely get an opportunity to do something like this," he said.

Rolleston said he could relate to some of the struggles the children went through.

He was 100 per cent behind the Homes of Hope and its charitable works.

Homes of Hope chief executive Hilary Price said Rolleston was a "humble, fantastic young man" and she felt blessed to have him and Mr Alvarez and his team on board.