Whanganui mayor Hamish McDouall says city is 'powered' by volunteering

Whanganui mayor Hamish McDouall says many local organisations benefit from volunteers - even the council.

McDouall is the latest in a series of prominent locals who are giving a few hours of their time to various organisations this week to promote volunteering.

Volunteer Whanganui's 'I Dare You' campaign coincides with international Volunteer Managers Day.

On Tuesday McDouall spent a couple of hours at Age Concern Wanganui putting address label on envelopes with other volunteers.

He said even the most boring of tasks could be made enjoyable with company.

"It's always fun. Particularly when I'm not alone," he said.

McDouall said volunteering was vital to the community.

"Whanganui's powered by volunteerism and, you know, council gets benefit from it. Volunteers look after a lot of Virginia Lake and other facilities."

Every major organisation needed volunteers, he said.

"There's always the little things to do, that may be a bit tedious if you're doing them alone. With a group of people it makes it go quickly and it's fun. It's been fun today."

Whanganui District Health Board chief executive Russell Simpson and Whanganui's deputy mayor Jenny Duncan will also be volunteering this week.