News

Students from around the country have responded overwhelmingly to the destruction wrought by the February 22 Christchurch earthquake.
Members of the public are being urged not to travel to Christchurch but to instead donate money to the Red Cross that they otherwise would spend on travel. This is firstly as a safety precaution but also because Christchurch rescue volunteers are already using local resources to full capacity. Donations to the Red Cross can be made to volunteers with donation buckets around campus, the Examinations Office, or directly online at www.redcross.org.nz.
 
The University of Canterbury Students’ Association (UCSA) has reignited the UC Student Volunteer Army that was heavily involved in the clean up after the September 4 earthquake. Last year students who whelped with shoveling and labour work provided valuable relief to troubled residents. Clearing rubble, debris and mess left over from liquefaction around residential areas made a tremendous difference to the overall clean up of the original quake.
 
This year, the Student Army is back into action already, sending out 500 students with shovels, wheelbarrows, gloves and raincoats to get to work. The UCSA is asking those that missed out on labouring spots to lend their support via the donation of money or resources such as tools, food and drinking water to both residents and student volunteers.
 
The UC Student Volunteer Fund is taking donations via the Te Wai Pounamu Foundation account: 03 1354 02386 86 (registered charity cc41918). Students are also encouraged to send an e-mail to studentvolunteerarmy@gmail.com so they can keep track of donations, or to let them know of any other way you can help.
 
Otago University Students’ Association (OUSA) along with the Society of Otago University Law Students (SOULS) have been making it easy for students to donate to collectors around campus. Donations will be used to help send food and resources up to Christchurch as well as going directly to the Red Cross. At the time of print, it is advised that nobody travels to Christchurch. However, those who would like to sign up to volunteer can fill out the form at: http://ousahelp.wufoo.com/forms/earthquake-relief-dunedin-volunteers and will be informed what needs doing and how to help.
 
OUSA are sending vans and a truck with supplies up to the Garden City to help the UC Student Volunteer Army. They are also lending a caravan to Westpac to be used as temporary accommodation or a mobile banking unit.
Additionally OUSA’s services are always available to students needing support. Anyone who is distressed is advised to go to either the Student Support Centre at 5 Ethel Benjamin Place behind the Clubs and Socs building or the Chaplaincy team.