Natalia Silvester

Founder
Chair

A mother on a mission and a successful businesswoman in her own right, Natalia was deeply effected by the images and updates coming out of her home country, Poland, and watching families being displaced. Reaching out to Polish charities and sending out an appeal to the Guernsey community, giving local people an opportunity to donate items specifically requested by the frontline charities was the only the beginning.

On setting up Humanitarian Aid Guernsey, Natalia is determined to continue in providing ‘immediate aid where it is needed most’ wherever they are.

“I am sure I am not alone in reaching a point where I was happy and successful in my work but there was still a hole in my heart, which is where my family and child come in, but there was still a desire to do good.

“I didn’t have anything missing in my life, but there are many people who are missing things and I wanted to give back and help those people.”

Olga Türkoğlu FCCA (Masters)

Managing Officer
Treasurer
Compliance Officer                       
Interpreter Team Officer

Olga is a Ukrainian born citizen currently living in Guernsey along with her young son and husband.
A fully qualified accountant who has worked as an external auditor for over 10 years, Olga has much to offer within the corporate & financial sector.

Olga originally came onboard as a committee member to volunteer her language skillset, which is fundamental in the continuous efforts to bridge the gap between our island community
and those further afield in Ukraine. With the motivation of helping her homeland and with the support family who have remain there, Olga came onboard as an Interpreter, Overseas Aid Liason
Officer and was very quickly invited to join the Board.

In her own words ‘the knowledge that unknown people are helping and worrying is giving Ukraine power’ a humbling and worthwhile experience that Olga is passionate to represent.

Sofi Noakes (HNC)

Managing Officer
Secretary
Digital Marketing, Social Media and Public Relations Officer

With over 13 years of hospitality experience, a wealth of knowledge in front facing roles and a business & digital marketing skill-set, Sofi was invited to join the Board of Managing Officers as Secretary.

With a love of people and a passion for culture, Sofi believes that ‘We have a responsibility towards our fellow man, each other & our community, whether at home or abroad’. 

In her role as Digital Marketing, Social Media and Public Relations Officer, Sofi loves to connect activities and achievements of the charity both face to face and on our social media platforms. 

Liz Charlton

Managing Officer
Fundraising Officer
Head Volunteer Coordinator

Liz currently works in Wealth Management and is a keen traveller. When COVID19 struck in 2020 she began to put spare time into activities of interest and causes that were important including volunteering at St John’s to decontaminate ambulances during lockdown.

Having had experience in volunteering during a crisis, Liz was able to put her organisational skills into use at the Donation Drop Off Locations and Fundraising Events.

“When the Russian invasion broke, I was heartbroken watching maternity wards being moved to bunkers, children separated from their parents and fathers, brothers and sons of Ukraine having to leave their families to fight on the front lines”