Source: University of Canterbury – statements
04 September 2020
In the decade since 4 September 2010, the SVA has grown from a University of Canterbury student club into a nationwide movement of young people ‘getting off the couch’ and helping others.
On 4 September 2010 at 4.35am, a 7.1 earthquake struck Ōtautahi Christchurch, causing widespread damage, including liquefaction around parts of the city.
Sam Johnson thought that there might be something helpful that University of Canterbury students could do, while the university was closed. He set up a Facebook page & invited some mates along. The Student Volunteer Army was born.
Since that initial response, the SVA has grown from a local student club into a nationwide movement of young people ‘getting off the couch’ and helping others, supported by hero partners – the University of Canterbury, Citycare Group and New World.
Over the next six months, we’ll be celebrating a decade of volunteering in Aotearoa New Zealand and highlighting some of the stories that have stayed with us. We would love for you, as a part of our community, to join us: visit www.tenyearsofsva.org.nz/ to find out more about getting involved.
For further information please contact:
UC Communications team, media@canterbury.ac.nz, Ph: (03) 369 3631 or 027 503 0168
