Staff
Volunteer Nelson currently has four part-time staff working alongside the Manager and a wonderful variety of amazing volunteers that help us both in the office and behind the scenes, to deliver our services to the community.
Gordon Oldfield
Manager
Gordon is originally from South Africa and has lived in Nelson with his wife and two children since 2007. Previously a pharmacist, sight loss compelled him to find a new direction. His professional and academic interest is now in health and disability services management. He has a particular interest in the role of volunteers in community organisations. He can often be spotted walking in Nelson with his guide dog, Sarge.
Sarge
Guide Dog / Office Dog
Sarge is Gordon’s trusty Guide Dog. He loves to meet and greet staff and office volunteers each day, he is full of energy and happy to entertain any newcomers or seasoned visitors to the office, In his role as Office Dog he brings us laughter, positivity, and great morale as well as reducing stress levels.
Ellie Young
Community Coordinator
Ellie believes volunteering is a great way to connect people to organisations and the community that can benefit from their wealth of knowledge, skills and passions and look after their wellbeing. Her professional background is in community services. Her passion is people and connecting their knowledge and skills to enhance communities. Ellie holds Masters in Sustainability and Climate Policy, alongside post-graduate studies in Integrated Human Studies. She also works with the Nelson Environment Centre in People and Culture.
Danielle Robson
Youth and Community Co-ordinator
Danielle was born in Ireland and spent many years working in the environmental education and community sector in the UK. She moved to Nelson in 2017 and started volunteering at Volunteer Nelson which led onto a job in the organisation. She enjoys all aspects of working in the community sector particularly with young people. Danielle loves spending time with her family, going for a coffee with friends, tramping, camping, kayaking and exploring new places.