Volunteer Whanganui is celebrating its 800th registered volunteer.
Marie Dennistoun-Wood, who registered with Volunteer Whanganui this week, received a gift basket, donated by Pak'nSave, to recognise the milestone.
Mrs Dennistoun-Wood is a newcomer to Whanganui and said volunteering gave her an opportunity to connect more with the community.
"It gets me out of the house and keeps me busy.
"We are new here so it's a way to meet people as well. I've got plenty to do at home with my animals and garden but it doesn't get you out there."
Mrs Dennistoun-Wood, who has previously volunteered for the SPCA and with child cancer patients, has been referred by Volunteer Whanganui for roles as an accredited visitor with Age Concern and as a Friendship Meal server/dishwasher with the City Mission.
Volunteer Whanganui manager Sandra Rickey said she hoped the organisation would reach 1000 registered volunteers by the end of the year. Whanganui has the highest number of volunteers per capita in New Zealand.
"Volunteering helps to stop social isolation and helps jobseekers who can add voluntary work to their CV," Ms Rickey said.
"It gives people some hope that there could be a job for them, and volunteering can give them new skills and confidence."
As well as people who register of their own initiative, agencies such as Work and Income, Workbridge, ACC, Pathways and Land Based Training refer clients to Volunteer Whanganui to gain work experience.
There is a diverse range of volunteer roles available. Positions currently listed with Volunteer Whanganui include an indoor bowls coach, Girl Guiding leaders and outdoor enthusiasts, sewing machinists, drivers, retail assistants, board/committee members, gardeners, handyperson, Meals on Wheels drivers and fundraising collectors. A full list of positions is available at www.volunteerwhanganui.org.nz.
People who want to volunteer for roles listed with the organisation need to first register in person at Volunteer Whanganui's office in Community House, 60 Ridgway St.