ANZCO's Local Heroes: Shaun Cooper

We're recognising ‘ANZCO's local heroes’ - people who volunteer their time to make an impact in their community. We're chatting to them about what they do, what they've learned, and their advice for anyone who wants to get involved in their community.

Today, meet Shaun Cooper

Health and Safety Advisor at ANZCO Foods Canterbury

Shaun is a coach for Ashburton Celtic Sea Snakes women's rugby team, and has been involved in coaching women's rugby for about eight years. 

He first got involved when a friend who was a coach mentioned that they needed a hand. Shaun gave it a go to help out and thoroughly enjoyed it, and hasn't looked back since! He finds his motivation from seeing the smiles on people's faces when they reach a goal, and he also enjoys the opportunity to continually learn and grow his own skills. Watching people grow to be the best version of themselves is one of his highlights from his time volunteering.

He admits working in health and safety and coaching rugby is an odd combination and you wouldn't think there's a lot of overlap between the two. But in fact, he's been able to take what he's learned from work and volunteering and apply these learnings to his daily routine. There's a saying in rugby, “you need to get comfortable being uncomfortable”, which applies to a lot of different situations, and it's served him well remembering that quote.

His advice for anyone who's keen to get involved is whatever you're interested in, just get out there and do it, you might just find a better version of yourself. Have a conversation with someone from the organisation or area you're interested in, you never know what might be available.

If you know a local hero that deserves to be recognised, email Ashley.Abrahams@anzcofoods.com