Updated: Friday 29th April 2011

Volunteers for final silt blitz

It was time for one last effort to help Christchurch people in need to get rid of their silt.

Civil Defence thisweek called for volunteers to help out in a final silt blitz, mopping up the last of the silt before free collection ends this weekend.

The Director of Infrastructure for Civil Defence, Michael Aitken, says the volunteer service is for those with genuine need.

“The volunteers are here to help people such as the elderly, those with disabilities or people without personal networks or community support to help with silt removal.”

The volunteers’ work is not offered as a professional service, but aims to get rid of the worst of the silt. Volunteers will not clear silt from properties with red stickers, that are vacant or that the volunteers consider to be unsafe. There may be delays in volunteers’ arrival. They will call before turning up to check someone is home.

After 30 April, people can take their silt to the EcoDepot for disposal, keeping receipts for insurance claims. If they need help after this date, they should seek help from friends, family and neighbours.

If you can’t make it during the week, rock up to the UCSA Student Volunteer Army big top in Ilam Rd at 9am on Friday 29th April, Saturday 30th April and Sunday 1st May, 2011.

Donations ...

People wanting to contribute to the response are encouraged to contribute financially.  Click Here for up to date information on where your donations can assist.

Practical Help …

In Auckland you can register with Volunteering Auckland to assist at the many community organisations who are assisting with evacuated persons, working with disaster relief, and many others - This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Consider training in advanced first aid, search and rescue and other disaster management fields to be able to assist more directly in the future - Contact your local Civil Defence branch , Search and Rescue, SPCA, Red Cross, Neighbourhood Watch North Region, Neighbourhood Watch Central Auckland, etc.

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