Media Release 26 February 2012

300% Increase in the Number of Volunteers & Jobs

More than 300 volunteers completed around 100 community jobs in the *second Let’s Get It Done day held in Christchurch yesterday. That’s around a 300% increase in the number of both volunteers and jobs completed from the inaugural event in September 2011.

Since the September quake, Rebuild Christchurch, headed by Deon Swiggs and run completely by volunteers, has been active in helping communities rebuild and move forward. The website rebuildchristchurch.co.nz has been a key tool in communicating and engaging with communities in the suburbs, as well as providing information from all of the main players in the rebuild effort, including the CCC, CERA, EQC and central Government.

Yesterday, an estimated 12 tonnes of bricks were taken to the city dump, a large amount of silt was cleared from sections including an entire street in Parklands, and dozens of small earthquake jobs were completed for the elderly and other members of the community who need assistance. Other work undertaken by volunteers included helping people pack, mowing lawns, clearing empty sections for gap filler and greening the rubble projects and planting more than $10,000 worth of trees at St Albans Primary School - donated by Elliot’s wholesale nursery in Amberley. State Insurance kindly sponsored the event.

"We are delighted to support a cause like 'Let's Get It Done'," says IAG's Head of Canterbury Communications, Renée Walker. "At State, our number one priority is people and getting out into the community and helping, particularly at a place like St Albans School really drives the value of community home to all of us. Congratulations to Deon and the team for organising such a worthwhile event".

Deon Swiggs said the success of the day was down to the incredible focus and selflessness of the volunteers and the team working for the Rebuild Christchurch Foundation, which was established in September 2011

“It’s almost 18 months since the September quake in 2010 and it is clear that there is still plenty to be done,” he says. “The focus on the CBD is needed but we hope that by bringing relief and action to those still struggling in the suburbs, we can keep their needs and stories “out there”. We must never forget how important our communities are. Strong suburban communities will help make a much stronger city,” says Swiggs.

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