Farmy Army mobilises for this weekend
Released 14 Mar 2011
The Federated Farmers led Farmy Army is mobilising this weekend, 18, 19 and 20 March, for one last operation to help Christchurch recover from last month's earthquake
"The Farmy Army is back this weekend to help businesses, schools and homeowners deal with the aftermath of the February 22 earthquake," says John Hartnell, Federated Farmers earthquake spokesperson.
"I'd also like to make an open call to Christchurch residents not planning to attend commemorations in Hagley Park, to do your bit by coming down to the A+P Showgrounds in Curletts Road this weekend between 7am and 12pm.
"All we ask you to bring to the A+P Showgrounds are shovels, a wheelbarrow and your personal gear like gumboots, gloves, sunblock and water.
"At 8am this Friday, 18 March, we're going to hold a memorial service before teams head out into the field to do what the Farmy Army does best.
"The best way for the Farmy Army to honour the suffering Christchurch has gone through is help those in need over this weekend.
"Only today I heard a Christchurch Playcentre call into talkback radio seeking help. We've called them It's with things like this that farmer power can deal with and.
"I'd like to make an open offer to communities who need our help, along with residents, businesses and schools who may feel overwhelmed to simply call 027 266 7926 between 7.00am to 7.00pm.
"If that's busy, people they can also call 0800 FARMING (0800 327 646), email us on mail@fedfarm.org.nz or log a request via the Farmy Army's own Facebook page.
"Federated Farmers Farmy Army HQ is now planning this weekend's work operation and we imagine there will be a large number of small jobs and that's what we're planning for," Mr Hartnell concluded.
If schools, homeowners or businesses need Farmy Army assistance:
Our dispatch can contacted on 027 266 7926 (7.00am to 7.00pm).
If this number is overloaded, people can also call 0800 327 646 (0800 FARMING) where messages outside of business hours may be left. Alternatively, people may use Facebook to make a request (put ‘Farmy Army' into the search box), or they can email mail@fedfarm.org.nz.
To volunteer for the Farmy Army's last big push on 18 ,19, 20 March 2011:
Simply turn up at the A+P Showgrounds in Curletts Road this weekend between 7am and 12pm. If volunteers are coming from outside of Christchurch, please call 0800 327 646 (0800 FARMING) by 3pm this Thursday and tell our team you will need a place to sleep.
For further information contact:
John Hartnell, Federated Farmers earthquake spokesperson, 021 578 754, 03 349 5590
