Mrs Jones' daughter Tessa O'Neill entered her in the competition, saying: "My mum has been a volunteer working with youth within cadet forces for over 15 years (closer to 20 I'd say), giving up one evening a week and often weekends for different activities, collecting donations for the blind, selling poppies for the RSA, cleaning graves of war veterans, helping man other activities such as 'tough kids', handing out drinks on fun runs. There are so many other activities you'll find her at that aren't coming to me right now!"
Mrs Jones said her involvement with Sea Cadets began when her children joined and she became a committee member. After about five years she became a commissioned officer and has continued in that role for 15 years.
"I've been involved in lots of activities and events with the cadets and it's great to know you've had a positive impact on them," she said.
"I give them an expectation of what they need to do and follow that up with praise afterwards. It's been great to see the cadets develop over the years. The importance of volunteering is starting to come through in my daughter and son and they are also realising the value of giving."
Four other entrants in the competition have won a lunch with Mr McDouall.
Paula Johnston is a volunteer who helps with care, housing, food and other necessities for disadvantaged people in the community. In addition to her usual voluntary work, during Volunteer Week she saw a social media post asking for help with food for a tangi so she made a large pot of lamb stew for the family, using meat provided by her neighbour.
Emma Webby and her 8-year-old son Zahn volunteer with CanTeen. Ms Webby's entry said she wanted to acknowledge Zahn who happily helped for hours with the annual street appeal last year and will again this year. She also runs a weekly community playgroup where Zahn helps set-up, and entertain the children.
Whanganui High School student Lizzie Wake has volunteered twice a week for the past 18 months at the SPCA. She feeds the cats, makes sure they get lots of cuddles and is part of the new enrichment programme, helping to socialise cats and kittens.
Aleishia Norton has volunteered on a medical ship in the remote islands of Vanuatu, giving free medical and dental treatment. The medical ship relies solely on volunteers and donations.