Helping hand

University of Otago third year Charlotte McFarlane paints Big Rock Primary School’s front fence during the Student Volunteer Army’s final event of the year.

The group went to the school to paint its fences and a bench, spread wood chips throughout the playgrounds, and do some sweeping and weeding.

University of Otago Student Volunteer Army president Paige Bowman said about 35 to 40 members of the group showed up to give the school a helping hand.

"Hopefully we can get the school looking nice for the children when they come into their school."

The event was the final volunteer drive of eight this year, which included planting saplings at Otago Peninsula, cleaning up Bracken’s View Park and card making at the Leslie Groves Rest Home.