Student Volunteer Army

Other, National Library of New Zealand

The organisation was founded after the Canterbury earthquake to mobilise students to help with the clean up. A student based initiative at the University of Canterbury, that supports and contributes volunteer work to all spheres of the community through disaster relief and community projects. Includes history, events, information on projects, how to become involved and how one can support.

SVA - The Concert Photograph 1

Images, UC QuakeStudies

A photograph of All Black Richie McCaw and Student Volunteer Army Founder Sam Johnson cutting vegetables.

500 Days: Churchill Park Photograph 5

Images, UC QuakeStudies

A photograph of students from the Student Volunteer Army and Entré with a sign reading, 'Churchill Park'.

Student Volunteer Army organisers to help Japan

Audio, Radio New Zealand

Two students who helped organize the 10,000 strong student volunteer army during the Christchurch earthquake are going to Japan to help students there mobilize an army of their own.

Christchurch: A Board Game Photograph 1

Images, UC QuakeStudies

A photograph of students from the Student Volunteer Army and Entré on the site of Christchurch: A Board Game.

500 Days: Churchill Park Photograph 1

Images, UC QuakeStudies

A photograph of students from the Student Volunteer Army and Entré with University of Canterbury Vice-Chancellor Rod Carr.

Sam Johnson founded the Student Volunteer Army

Audio, Radio New Zealand

Sam Johnson founded the Student Volunteer Army from a Facebook page in response to the Christchurch earthquakes. Sam spoke with Karyn on air ten years ago today, and he shares his memories including how the Student Volunteer Army has grown into a nationwide movement.

Student Volunteer Army get ANZAC award

Audio, Radio New Zealand

In the next few minutes, the Student Volunteer Army in Christchurch is being presented with the ANZAC of the Year award, to recognise the huge clean up job the students did after the earthquakes.

2010 - Photograph of the Student Volunteer Army

Images, UC QuakeStudies

A photograph of University of Canterbury students carrying wheelbarrows, shovels and spades to help clean up liquefaction in earthquake-damaged areas after the September 2010 earthquake.

Photograph number UC 10-0507-15

Images, UC QuakeStudies

Student Volunteer Army Organiser Sam Johnson talks at an event to thank the Student Volunteer Army.

Photograph number UC 10-0507-16

Images, UC QuakeStudies

Student Volunteer Army Organiser Sam Johnson talks at an event to thank the Student Volunteer Army.

Photograph number UC 11-0218-04

Images, UC QuakeStudies

Dean Manson photographed in an eastern riverside suburb. Dean is a UC graduate who travelled down from Palmerston North to help with the Farmy Army and Student Volunteer Army. He was scouting jobs in the morning before the arrival of volunteers.

Photograph number UC 10-0507-19

Images, UC QuakeStudies

Mayor Bob Parker and Student Volunteer Army Organiser Sam Johnson at an event to thank the Student Volunteer Army.

Photograph number UC 10-0507-24

Images, UC QuakeStudies

Prime Minister John Key and Student Volunteer Army Organiser Sam Johnson at an event to thank the Student Volunteer Army.

Photograph number UC 10-0507-03

Images, UC QuakeStudies

Prime Minister John Key shakes Student Volunteer Army Organiser Sam Johnson's hand at an event to thank the Student Volunteer Army.

Photograph number UC 10-0496-28

Images, UC QuakeStudies

Sam Johnson, Student Volunteer Army Organiser speaks at event held to thank the student volunteers.

Photograph number UC 10-0496-29

Images, UC QuakeStudies

Sam Johnson, Student Volunteer Army Organiser speaks at event held to thank the student volunteers.

Foamapalooza Photograph 5

Images, UC QuakeStudies

A photograph of volunteers preparing the site for Foamapalooza.

Photograph number UC 10-0507-14

Images, UC QuakeStudies

Prime Minister John Key, Student Volunteer Army Organiser Sam Johnson and Mayor Bob Parker at an event to thank the Student Volunteer Army.

Photograph number UC 10-0507-17

Images, UC QuakeStudies

Prime Minister John Key, Mayor Bob Parker and Student Volunteer Army Organiser Sam Johnson at an event to thank the Student Volunteer Army.

Photograph number UC 10-0507-21

Images, UC QuakeStudies

Prime Minister John Key, Mayor Bob Parker and Student Volunteer Army Organiser Sam Johnson at an event to thank the Student Volunteer Army.

500 Days: Churchill Park Photograph 4

Images, UC QuakeStudies

A photograph of bricks laid as a pathway in Churchill Park. Each brick has a message written on it.

Christchurch: A Board Game Photograph 4

Images, UC QuakeStudies

A photograph of bricks forming a playing square of Christchurch: A Board Game. The bricks show a picture of ChristChurch Cathedral, and read, "ChristChurch Cathedral. Skip church, move to Ferry Rd".

500 Days: Churchill Park Photograph 2

Images, UC QuakeStudies

A photograph of bricks laid as a pathway in Churchill Park. Each brick has a message written on it.

500 Days: Churchill Park Photograph 3

Images, UC QuakeStudies

A photograph of University of Canterbury Vice-Chancellor Rod Carr writing a message on a brick pathway in Churchill Park.

Four Corners Youth Space Photograph 1

Images, UC QuakeStudies

A photograph of Erin Simpson interviewing volunteers who have been constructing the Four Corners youth space.

Fulton Hogan BMX Pump Track Photograph 2

Images, UC QuakeStudies

A photograph of volunteers digging soil to construct a BMX track.

Fulton Hogan BMX Pump Track Photograph 3

Images, UC QuakeStudies

A photograph of children cycling on the Fulton Hogan BMX Pump Track.

Fulton Hogan BMX Pump Track Photograph 1

Images, UC QuakeStudies

A photograph of volunteers who contributed to building a BMX track on an empty site on Colombo Street.

St Luke's Labyrinth Photograph 3

Images, UC QuakeStudies

A photograph of volunteers laying bricks to create a labyrinth on the former site of St Luke's church.