In April 2014, on the remote Takuputahi Road,  Toatoa, in the Raukumara Ranges an accident claimed the lives of Gordon Nelson and his friend Frederick Ruff. Gordon was a mover and shaker in Opotiki, a man who everyone knew, and a man with a huge heart, who would help anyone and everyone. In fact he was in his tow- truck when the accident happened. Extremely limited communication meant getting immediate help was virtually impossible.  As a shock response to  the deaths of the two men, the community responded with donations and a trust was set up to support better communication and up to date rescue equipment to voluntary organisations at the coal face of road trauma and rescue missions, on land and at sea in the Opotiki District. 

Over the years since the trust has been in place, an annual grant has been made to voluntary organisations like Opotiki Coastguard, Land Search and Rescue, Waiotahe Surf Life Saving and other groups  involved in essential life-saving work. 

The Nelson family and trustees of the trust made the decision to transfer the funds remaining in the Gordon Nelson Rescue Equipment Trust to the Eastern Bay Community Foundation, in order to grow these funds further and to allow others to continue to contribute to this fund, which will benefit organisations involved in saving lives in the Opotiki District.