She has been a member of the Dolga vas Volunteer Fire Brigade practically all her life, where she is still actively involved - attending competitions, meetings and charity events. After her retirement, she has been a member of the Kočevje Pensioners' Association for about 25 years.
Since she has been working with the Pensioners' Association, Majda has been volunteering to care for elderly people who are infirm, less mobile or frail, as well as for those who just need company.
About once a month, she goes to each of them, taking them to the shops, the doctor and the pharmacy, helping with household chores or just chatting with them. Such people often don't need much to brighten up their day, or maybe even their week. She used to help 27 people, but today she only helps 6, because she will be 80 next year and simply cannot do as much, even though she is in great shape and still drives a car.
"I am always at their disposal. I tell them they can call me anytime, even in the middle of the night, if they need anything. They all have my phone number. You never know when something is going to happen to you - you could spin, fall or hurt yourself, the years are familiar, we don't have anything," says Majda.
Why are you still doing it, even though you are about to turn 80?
"I am coming out of myself. What if I was alone all the time? What if I had to lie on my bed all day, unable to move, just staring at the ceiling? I would love it if someone would come over for a coffee now and then and cut my day short by an hour or two. But some people are alone, they have no one to take them to the shops to buy food or to get medicine. I feel sorry for them and I am happy to help them as long as I can."
Majda is a lady whose heart is full of compassion and kindness, and who makes the world around her a better place every day. She deservedly can be a role model for all those who strive for others, regardless of their own difficulties and limitations.
"We will all be old and need help one day. If everyone could just visit their aunt, uncle, grandmother, grandfather ... just a little more, let them! Just a quick cup of tea and a biscuit or two - that can mean a lot to someone."
Nuša Želko, 8. 2. 2025
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