As Christchurch's Student Volunteer Army takes its first break this weekend, Selwyn College residents will be there to help fill the gap.
College warden Dr David Clark said 50 of his residents would travel by bus or car to Ashburton today before starting work in Christchurch tomorrow.
The students would spend one full day assisting in whatever way possible, whether clearing silt or visiting homes.
"We feel like we want to do our bit. Thousands of others have already donated long days to the cause. Our contribution will be modest but useful," he said.
The students decided to stay out of the quake-stricken city so as not to put further strain on its badly damaged infrastructure.
The trip was funded by the college and the Selwyn College Students' Association and donations of food, toilet paper and other supplies have come from the college's regular suppliers.
Selwyn College Students' Association president Thomas Heaton said his peers were eager to help in Christchurch.
"We are going to have to raffle places on the bus," he said.
About $2000 had also been raised by students opting to have money taken off their annual bond with the college so extra supplies could be bought and left for the "army".
