Farmy Army demobs Saturday, to reform mid-March
Released 04 Mar 2011
While the Federated Farmers led Farmy Army, like the Student Volunteer Army (SVA), will scale back its operations after Saturday in line with Christchurch City Council instructions, it is planning for one last operation on 18, 19 and 20 March to mop up areas in need.
"With the Prime Minister seeing teams today, I think every volunteer who has pushed a wheel barrow, lifted a shovel or operated a digger can be proud of what they've achieved," says John Hartnell, Federated Farmers earthquake spokesperson.
"It's been an epic response by so many for so many. This is what community is truly about.
"Over eleven days, thousands of volunteers from farms all over New Zealand have worked with students, local residents and the council to break the back of debris caused by the earthquake.
"To those volunteer farmers who were planning to come into Christchurch, the council has determined the initial clean up phase is almost at an end.
"Yet there are probably pockets of need out there so we want to hear from those residents, businesses and schools in need of some Farmy Army magic on 027 266 7926 (7.00am to 7.00pm) or 0800 FARMING (0800 327 646).
"This is because the very last big push by the Farmy Army will take place on 18, 19 and 20 March. This gives everyone in Christchurch a week or so to take stock of what they need, then to put their hand up for help.
"For farmers from all over New Zealand so keen to pitch in, this is now your chance because that date is locked and loaded. Can I ask farmer volunteers keen to register to call into 0800 327 646 (0800 FARMING) as we hope to work with the SVA, Young Farmers and Rural Women NZ as well.
"Federated Farmers is also looking for Farmy Army reservists to assist people between now and the weekend of 18 March. We want to help people in desperate need, so I guess some may end up calling these groups the Farmy Army commandos.
"Can I also express my pride in the way Federated Farmers elected members and staff stepped up in a time of crisis. A number of staff and some volunteers have been coping with damaged homes themselves but they have put service before self.
"The list of evacuated buildings also includes Federated Farmers Christchurch office.
"So while this may not be the beginning of the end for Christchurch's renaissance, just maybe, it's the end of the beginning," Mr Hartnell concluded.
If schools, homeowners or businesses need assistance:
Farmy Army dispatch can contacted on 027 266 7926 (7.00am to 7.00pm). If this number is overloaded people can also dial into: 0800 327 646 (0800 FARMING) where messages may also be left outside of business hours.
To volunteer for the Farmy Army's last big push on 18 ,19, 20 March 2011:
Contact 0800 327 646 (0800 FARMING) during normal business hours or volunteer by way of mail@fedfarm.org.nz placing ‘big push volunteer' in the subject line. Please indicate if you will need an airport pick up or accommodation.
Thanking those who have helped Federated Farmers work in Christchurch:
This mammoth undertaking would be impossible without thanking those companies and groups who have helped Federated Farmers Farmy Army over the past eleven days:
- Alliance Group
- Bleeker Contracting
- Caltex
- Canterbury A & P Society
- CRT
- Green Grocers (Jack Lim)
- Fulton Hogan
- Hallswell New World
- Nestle
- NZ Safety
- NZ Young Farmers
- Oakleys Spuds
- Rabobank
- Rakaia Lions Club
- Raymond Hart
- Rock Gas
- Rural Contractors (members of)
- Rural Woman NZ
- Silver Fern Farms
- Strat Co
- Student Volunteer Army
- Tegel
- Telecom
- Turners and Growers
- Verkerks
- Watties
For further information contact:
John Hartnell, Federated Farmers earthquake spokesperson, 021 578 754, 03 349 5590
