Thousands of RATs delivered to ŌCHT homes

Mervyn spent the best part of a week delivering boxes of rapid antigen tests to more than 2500 people across Christchurch.

We’re really giving a RATs about tackling this virus!

ŌCHT has delivered more than 2500 packs of COVID-19 rapid antigen tests to tenants across Christchurch.

ŌCHT housing champion Mervyn spent the best part of a week ferrying boxes between our Kilmore St office and more-than 100 ŌCHT communities in the city.

Mervyn had some early help from Tanurag and Johannes from the Student Volunteer Army and together they knocked-off a “pretty big job”.

“Oh it, is, it’s massive,” Merv said as he loaded the car for the last time on Friday morning.

Mervyn with the last carload of RATs to be delivered to the last nine of 112 communities on Friday.

Student Volunteer Army volunteer Tanurag delivers RATs in Lyttelton.

Student Volunteer Army volunteer Johannes has his hands full with a big box of RATs outside an ŌCHT community.

“But it’s worth it to help people get some peace of mind with all that’s happening with COVID-19.”

Te Rūnanga o Ngā Maata Waka donated the RATs to help communities meet the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mervyn delivered them as Christchurch experienced a surge in COVID-19 infections and the winter flu began to bite.

The packs of five were dropped in letterboxes or taken to doors with an easy-to-follow how-to guide.

The ŌCHT-made guide was easier to follow than Mervyn’s route to delivering the RATs.

He worked around locked and overfilled letterboxes  – and boxes blocked by cars – to get the RATs into our communities.

“It wasn’t always easy, I can tell you!”

Nice work Merv – and thanks to Te Rūnanga o Ngā Maata Waka for an amazing gesture to support our communities!