Meet the team behind Nourish Trust
We’re stronger together
What started in 2014 with just a one-off idea has grown into a dedicated team of over 150 volunteers who come together to meet the growing demand each year.
We are all about bringing the community together to help others, and easing pressure for the families in our community who are doing it tough.
Being completely volunteer-run means that every dollar donated goes straight to filling hampers for families in need
This is only possible because of the incredible people who generously give their time, skills, and heart to Nourish Trust. Here’s a glimpse into the team that makes it all happen.
Claire Turner Nourish
Co-Founder
For Claire, knowing that others in the community might be struggling at a time of year that is important to her and her family is something that drives her to help others. Claire is the driving force behind Nourish and her vision and determination has seen Nourish grow from 21 hampers in the first year to over 6,000 hampers across ten years and still growing…
“Christmas is such a special time for me and my family and I know that for others in the community that it can be one of the toughest times of the year. Feeding and nourishing people is something tangible that I can do to help others, and Nourish has grown from that idea.”
– Claire
Gabrielle Ralph Nourish
Co-Founder
Gabe loves so many things about being part of Nourish. She loves that it brings sparkle to others at Christmas by easing the financial pressure on people during such an expensive time of year, and that it lets them know they are cared for. She also values how Nourish offers a way for those who want to help to come together and make a difference. While many want to get involved and support others, they often don’t know how – Nourish provides that opportunity.
“Being part of Nourish is about more than just providing food - it is about letting others in our community know that we see them and that we care. It’s about bringing our community together to help others.”
– Gabe
Board Members
Stefan Ralph
Stefan offers strategic guidance to help Nourish Trust grow and meet its goals. His focus is on ensuring that we always remember why we are here, to support families doing it tough in our community at Christmas.
“It's been incredible to be involved with Nourish and witness its kaupapa grow over the years, from operating out of a garage to moving into a school hall, and now evolving into the remarkable operation it is today. Kai is deeply connected to our well-being, making it a practical and meaningful way to support others.”
Troy Turner
Troy's role in governance and strategic planning keeps us on track and focused on our mission to support families doing it tough at Christmas. He brings a commercial lens to our operations and challenges us to think differently to get the best outcomes for our recipient families.
“Supporting Nourish is easy. First, who wouldn’t want to support Claire, and Gabe as humans doing great work. Second is that I really believe everyone should be involved with the community and contribute outside of their family circle and Nourish does exactly that. I love that it helps families and young children at a time when the strain is real. Kia Kaha!”
Lauren Delaney
Grants
Lauren is our grants guru, securing the funding needed to keep Nourish Trust operating and growing. You’ll also see Lauren running bake sales and wine fundraisers for Nourish. Lauren is an invaluable member of the team, and we could not do it without her!
"I support Nourish because I value community and it’s important to me that people doing it tough know there are others that care and want to help."
Kaye Sherwin
Events
Kaye is our organiser extraordinaire for our key events and fundraising activities, bringing energy and dedication to every event. Her ideas and efforts are crucial to raising the funds needed to fill our hampers.
“I have seen Nourish grow from its very beginnings and have been amazed at the wonderful impact it has, not only in nourishing families in need at Christmas but in showing people that we care about them. Clarie and Gabe have worked tirelessly to ensure that Nourish continues to provide actual, real world, help to people and it's inspirational to watch. I love helping in any way I can, from organising auction nights, charity dinners and bake sales to packing boxes into cars! It fills my bucket to be part of something that makes a difference to so many.”
Emma Wasson
Everything
Emma has been part of Nourish since the very first Christmas and is an incredible advocate and supporter. Emma puts her hand up to help any way she can and her enthusiasm, energy and calm thoughtful presence has been so awesome over the years.
"By supporting Nourish, I get to help lighten the load for those that find the Christmas season difficult, while also spending time with my dear friend, Claire, and her awesome team of volunteers. Together, they dedicate their time and energy to bringing Christmas cheer into homes during this time. It’s truly a win-win!"
Ambassadors
Mel Fryer
Mel is a superstar advocate for Nourish Trust across the Lower Hutt community, inspiring others to get involved and support our cause. She plays a key role in raising funds and spreading our message far and wide.
"I work as a Teacher Aide at a school that has recently received Christmas hampers from Nourish. Each family was so grateful to have the burden of paying for extra food eased, not just for Christmas – but over the long holiday period as well. I love seeing what a difference these hampers make to these families firsthand and am honoured to be able to support Gabe and Claire and the rest of the wonderful team."
Paul Spittal
When we need someone to attend a funding panel or do some public speaking on behalf of Nourish, Paul is always willing and able to go out and raise awareness about Nourish Trust across the region - encouraging support and engagement to help us reach more families in need.
"Supporting my sister Gabe and her friend Claire in their incredible mahi with Nourish is important to me. These are really trying times, and through my work, I see that people from all walks of life are struggling for many different reasons. This is a small way I can help. I’m reminded of something my late mother used to say: 'Do small things with great love'."
Christine Delaney
Christine's dedication to spreading our message across her business community helps strengthen the awareness around Nourish Trust, ensuring more families receive the support they need.
"I absolutely love Christmas. I have been so lucky to enjoy all the wonderful food and festivities that Christmas brings. So when Claire and Gabe started Nourish it gave me an opportunity to contribute to a wonderful charity that helps so many families enjoy Christmas too. It has also brought together wonderful people and communities alongside businesses to collaborate together and deliver something truly special at what should be a happy time of year for all."
Amanda Mallett
Graphic Designer
Amanda from AM Creative uses her incredible creative skills to bring our kaupapa to life through her beautiful design, ensuring our message resonates with the community and attracts support. She is also an incredible connector and advocate of Nourish and an invaluable member of the team.
"It is such a privilege to support Claire and Gabe at the Nourish Trust. It has been exciting to see the charity grow and continue to meet needs during this period of significant growth. I admire everything they have accomplished so far and the fabulous impact it is having on families and communities. I’m very excited about what the future holds for Nourish, as the growth they have navigated as custodians of this wonderful charity has been amazing. It is enriching to be able to support them."
Sara-Jane Austen
Website Designer
Sara-Jane of Designerbloom creates and maintains our welcoming online presence, helping Nourish Trust tell its story and connect with those who want to help us make a difference.
"It’s an honour to use my skills to support a cause that truly matters. By creating this website, I’m helping to amplify the Nourish Trust’s message, bring communities together, and inspire change. It’s my way of giving back and supporting organisations that make a real difference in the lives of those who need it most."
Pip Lyons
Copywriter
Pip from Articulate Communications raises awareness and engages supporters through our website copy, social media and email marketing. Her commitment to using her talents for a meaningful cause helps build our community and drive donations, and we would not be where we are without her!
"For me, supporting Nourish is about using our collective strengths to make a real difference. Crafting words that bring the community together, inspire support, and drive action is a small way I can contribute to something truly meaningful that has a big impact on families who are doing it tough."
“One of our families is living in someone’s garage so when the hamper was delivered, this single mum of 4 broke down in tears when she saw the hamper. She hadn’t eaten for 2 days so she was overwhelmed that people would do such a kind thing.”
– school feedback
Nourish Trust is a registered charity who provide hampers of nourishing food to families doing it tough across the greater Wellington region at Christmas.
