Introducing Marita Watson-Bol – Op Shop on Vanguard Assistant Manager

Know us for when you need us

Marita Watson-Bol

Op Shop on Vanguard Assistant Manager + Volunteer behind the Fabric-a-brac market

What are your roles at Nelson Tasman Hospice?
I’m an Assistant Manager (fixed term) at the Nelson Tasman Hospice Op Shop on Vanguard four days a week. I am also a volunteer and coordinate the Hospice fundraising event Fabric-a-brac Nelson.

What does a working day look like for you?
My days at Op Shop on Vanguard begin with preparing the store for opening and planning priorities with our volunteer team. This can include receiving, sorting and pricing clothing, bric-abrac, linen and other donated goods.
In the lead-up to Fabric-a-brac Nelson, my evenings and weekends are spent organising stallholders, sorting and pricing donations, and planning the many moving parts of the event. It’s a real team effort, supported by Hospice staff, volunteers, friends, and family.

What have you learnt working at Nelson Tasman Hospice that you didn’t know before?
Working with Nelson Tasman Hospice, the most surprising thing for me has been realising just how many dedicated volunteers help make it such a caring and compassionate place. I began a volunteer myself and always felt genuinely appreciated. The gratitude shared by colleagues and volunteers creates a warm and welcoming environment. I’ve learnt that even small contributions can make a real difference, and being part of that gives people a strong sense of purpose and connection.

What’s a book or film that you always recommend to others?
I’m a sucker for fairytales, so I always recommend Labyrinth. The combination of Jim Henson’s incredible puppetry and David Bowie as the Goblin King is just magical. It’s timeless, quirky, imaginative, and one of those films that stays with you long after you’ve watched it.