On the 4th September 2010, a 7.1 earthquake struck Ōtautahi Christchurch at 4.35am. There was widespread damage, including liquefaction.
Sam Johnson, then a University of Canterbury student, thought that there might be something helpful that students could do, whilst the university was closed. He set up a Facebook page, inviting his mates from uni.
The Student Volunteer Army was born.
Since that initial response, the SVA has grown into a nationwide movement of young people ‘getting off the couch’ and helping others.
11,000 people joined the subsequent February earthquake response in 2011.
Each year on campus, over 3,000 students join the UC SVA Club.
32,000 primary school students participate in SVA Kids annually.
Over 8,000 high school students have joined the SVA Service Award.
3,000 volunteers mobilised to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Thousands have contributed to this movement in the past ten years: and we know that this is just the beginning.
Join us in collating our history and memories - and, let us know the role you played in the SVA. Pandemic permitting, we’ll be hosting a wider celebration in February 2021 and we’d love for you to join us.
Thousands of people have played a role in the history of the SVA - and we’d love to hear your story of how you got involved.
Whether you were a part of the UC Club, have volunteered at one of our events or programmes, or even were one of the people that we helped, it would be great to hear from you. Drop us a line, or even share any photos that you’ve got! hello@tenyearsofsva.org.nz
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