Meet volunteer extraordinaire, Doreen

After a successful career as a dental nurse and in management roles at the New Zealand School Dental service over a period of 50 years, Doreen found the adjustment to retirement a challenge. She missed the demands and camaraderie of being in the workforce. She needed something to do. Doreen had been diagnosed with macular degeneration, and a friend suggested she contact Macular Degeneration NZ, who were looking for volunteers to help in the office.

Fast forward to 2024, and Doreen has been volunteering in the Parnell office for around 8 years. Doreen says she is keen to contribute wherever she is needed. Her specialty is preparing Patient Information Packs. MDNZ’s General Manager, Sarah says “Doreen is the queen of Information Packs, she will prepare 200 packs in a couple of hours then ask what else there is to do today". This is no mean feat, and a key job at MDNZ, as we send out thousands of packs a year.

Doreen has found volunteering to be a useful transition from full time work to retirement and she enjoys being part of the MDNZ team. Doreen is happy that her contribution helps provide information and support for people with macular degeneration and their families.

Doreen is a great advocate for eating a healthy diet, keeping fit and active. In recent years, her vision has deteriorated a bit, but she does not let that stop her. Making adjustments in her daily life, such as watching where she steps when out on her walks, Doreen says "The curbs that are the same colour as the path can be tricky, but I manage”.

Doreen has recently started using a small magnifier, that is very useful when shopping, a pair of fit-over sunglasses that reduce the glare, and a wonderful light to help her when reading. Doreen has not let her vision loss get in her way. She still plans to come into the office each week to catch up with the team and to get more Patient Information Packs prepared.

Thank you so much, Doreen!