When Hannah Soper saw that the Cancer Society was hosting One Goal: Beat Cancer, she didn’t wait to be asked – she reached out to see if she could help.
Offering her skills as a photographer and videographer, Hannah volunteered her time to capture the energy, emotion and community spirit of the charity netball match.
Hannah currently works as a Scholarship Manager at Hoa Motuhake Sports Trust in Christchurch, supporting tamariki from at-risk and disadvantaged backgrounds to stay involved in sport. It’s a role rooted in community and, for Hannah, volunteering feels like a natural extension of the work she already loves.
Cancer is a cause that hits close to home for her. Three of Hannah’s four grandparents have been affected by cancer, as well as close friends and extended family. “Everyone I know knows someone who’s been affected by cancer,” she says. “It’s kind of inescapable and that’s why the work the Cancer Society does is so special.”
At the One Goal: Beat Cancer charity netball match, Hannah was struck by the atmosphere from the moment she arrived. She loved seeing kids out on the court before the game, families filling the stands, and the way the players leaned into making it a true community spectacle.
“The day was super family-focused and family-orientated,” Hannah says. “By the end of the game, having families and kids back down on the court – it was just really cool.”
Volunteering has always been part of Hannah’s life. Growing up in the small South Canterbury town of Waimate, she saw first-hand how communities thrive when people simply pitch in.
“I love the saying that you can’t have a village without being a villager,” she explains.
From coaching netball and helping with Rotary as a teenager, to now offering photography and videography to community sport – often free of charge – Hannah is passionate about using her strengths to support others. She’s especially drawn to capturing behind-the-scenes moments that tell a deeper story and often go unnoticed.
For Hannah, volunteering isn’t about recognition. It’s about giving back in small but meaningful ways.
“If you’ve got the time and you can use it in a positive way, then why wouldn’t you?” she says. “I’d rather be out helping someone than sitting on my couch at home.”
During National Volunteer Week, Hannah’s story is a reminder that volunteering doesn’t always start with being asked – sometimes it begins with simply putting your hand up and offering what you can.
Ready to make a difference? Join us today! follow the link below to find out more about volunteering and register your interest.
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