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.

Spade: Student Volunteer Army

Images, Canterbury Museum

One black metal spade with plastic handle; white band towards handle. Spade is well used and features remnants of liquefaction. Used by Student Volunteer Army in the clean up after 4 September 2010 earthquake. It is estimated that 1,750 spades similar to this one were used in the cleanup of Christchurch after both the 4 September 2010 and 22 Fe...

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.

T-shirt: Student Volunteer Army

Images, Canterbury Museum

One green cotton t-shirt bearing the logo of the Student Volunteer Army in black print on the centre front and the words ‘Christchurch, New Zealand’ in black ink in Japanese and Spanish on the reverse. Jason Pemberton, from the Student Volunteer Army organising committee, wore this t-shirt during the cleanup following the 22 February 2011 earth...

Photograph by Neil Macbeth 330

Images, UC QuakeStudies

Photograph captioned by Neil Macbeth, "Members of the Student Volunteer Army clearing liquefaction in earthquake-ravaged Avonside. The Student Volunteer Army are mostly University of Canterbury students who are helping to clean up the liquefaction from Christchurch properties.

Photograph by Neil Macbeth 332

Images, UC QuakeStudies

Photograph captioned by Neil Macbeth, "Members of the Student Volunteer Army clearing liquefaction in earthquake-ravaged Avonside. The Student Volunteer Army are mostly University of Canterbury students who are helping to clean up the liquefaction from Christchurch properties.

Photograph by Neil Macbeth 328

Images, UC QuakeStudies

Photograph captioned by Neil Macbeth, "Members of the Student Volunteer Army clearing liquefaction in earthquake-ravaged Avonside. The Student Volunteer Army are mostly University of Canterbury students who are helping to clean up the liquefaction from Christchurch properties.

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.

Photograph by Neil Macbeth 334

Images, UC QuakeStudies

Photograph captioned by Neil Macbeth, "Members of the Student Volunteer Army clearing liquefaction in earthquake-ravaged Avonside. The Student Volunteer Army are mostly University of Canterbury students who are helping to clean up the liquefaction from Christchurch properties.

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.

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'.

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".

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.

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.

St Luke's Labyrinth Photograph 2

Images, UC QuakeStudies

A photograph of volunteers standing in the centre of a labyrinth they have created on the former site of St Luke's church.

Foamapalooza Photograph 3

Images, UC QuakeStudies

A photograph of volunteers holding the foam blocks which will be used to create Foamapalooza.

Foamapalooza Photograph 1

Images, UC QuakeStudies

A photograph of foam blocks and tires stacked on wooden pallets on the site of Foamapalooza.

Foamapalooza Photograph 4

Images, UC QuakeStudies

A photograph of volunteers preparing the site for Foamapalooza. In the foreground, a sign describes the project.

SVA - The Concert Photograph 1

Images, UC QuakeStudies

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