Government grants $50,000 to Student Volunteer Army for Nelson Tasman clean-up

RNZ News

2 days ago

Minister Meager is pictured with SVA founder Sam Johnson.
Photo:
Supplied
A
one-off $50,000 grant
has been given to the Student Volunteer Army (SVA) to support youth volunteers in the Nelson Tasman clean-up, after two floods in two weeks hammered the region.
Communities were facing millions of dollars worth of damage to roading infrastructure, farmland and properties.
The grant will pay for region-wide activities over the next four-to-six weeks based on requests by those affected.
Youth Minister James Meager said SVA's volunteers would be of "enormous"
benefit to the communities
.
"Young people are ready and willing to get involved and support communities badly affected by recent flooding events. This region has been hit hard twice in the past fortnight, and these volunteers will offer valuable assistance while taking part in a youth development opportunity.
"The youth volunteers that participate will be appropriately supervised and have access to mentoring and guidance to support their learning and development while doing this voluntary work."
Image from Defence Force helicopter showing the Lower Waimea River area after Nelson floods.
Photo:
Tim Cuff / POOL
SVA Founder Sam Johnson said involving young people in disaster response and recovery was "always a good idea".
"They're fit, energetic and like to help. It also provides them the opportunity to learn first-hand about the complex issues extreme weather present."
The SVA had provided assistance to 50 properties so far, Johnson said.
SVA Founder Sam Johnson says the Student Volunteer Army has provided assistance to 50 properties so far.
Photo:
Supplied
"I want to thank those who have helped enormously with the region's recovery efforts so far.
"I encourage all young people who have seen the devastation and want to help to reach out to the organisation," he said.
The funding was for volunteers aged between 12 and 24.
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