Daily Update, Feb 26 [Volunteer Student Army]
Daily update – 26 February

Three Arms to the Army

The advent of dedicated squadrons allocated to specific jobs has seen Student Volunteer Army members spread far and wide across the city today. The familiar teams of hundreds of volunteers shoveling and clearing silt from suburban streets have been complimented by dedicated flying squads of specialist volunteers who are able to assist with more intricate requests.

Team leader Louis Brown says, “since the sva.org.nz site went live we’ve been able to coordinate our response to pleas for help in those two ways. We have over 200 people in specialized squadrons heading out tomorrow to carve into over 1100 jobs.”

Out in the field work continues to grow. Over 1200 volunteers were focusing on sections and gardens in Burwood, Dallington and Avondale today, but the full extent of the work to be done is slowly becoming apparent. SVA’s Sam Johnson says “today we had our biggest team of volunteers ever, even including September. But we’re still only covering half the area we were doing each day compared to last year. The need for people, equipment and donations is greater now than ever.”

Tomorrow the SVA will also be introducing the third arm, Street Teams. Louis Brown says “busloads of volunteers will be visiting residents of East Christchurch. The Ministry of Social Development has asked us to deliver pamphlets hand to hand with key information and contact numbers on them. More importantly, we’ll be checking in and checking up on people who may feel alone and abandoned.

More volunteers are always needed, and wheelbarrows are also in short supply. If people can provide equipment or manpower, they are encouraged to be at the UCSA car park at 90 Ilam Road between 9 and 10am tomorrow. A massive marquee has been erected to house and cater for volunteers. People of all ages and abilities, especially those who may not be able to wield a shovel, will be welcomed with open arms.”

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