The Student Volunteer Army (SVA) was founded as a student-led club at the University of Canterbury in response to the Canterbury earthquakes in 2010-2011, where they mobilised thousands of young people to volunteer and assist with clean up. The organisation has grown into a nationwide civic education charity focused on making service a part of the student life by inspiring and motivating young people to be the change in their community. SVA is proud to lead more than 65,000 students of primary, secondary and tertiary level nationwide.
Carrying on the UC tradition and changing the face of volunteering, the UC SVA offers platoons volunteering events every weekend of the academic year. Our yearly highlights include Camps all over the South Island and the annual Big Give! Our exec members are passionate about working closely with community groups and providing students with opportunities to give back, looking to create unique experiences to develop volunteering skills and friendships. We aim to create accessible and meaningful volunteering opportunities for students of all walks of life. Together, our mahi can make a real difference in others’ lives.
Kia tūao, e tū ki te ao
Be a volunteer, stand up in the world.
