Volunteers come from all walks of life and take on roles that make a tremendous difference in people’s lives. One such volunteer is Sandy Luschwitz, affectionately known as “the ice cream lady” at Emmaus Home.

Sandy first began volunteering in November 2010, after retiring from a remarkable 33-year career as a Kindergarten teacher at St Joseph’s Primary School. “I loved Kinder… that was my forte,” she recalls. After retiring in 2008, Sandy spent a year wondering what was next. “I decided I had to find something meaningful,” she says. That search led her to Emmaus Home, where she’s been brightening lives for 15 years.

Her role might sound simple—handing out ice creams—but the impact is profound. Sandy brings her trolley of treats and plays ‘Greensleeves’ on her phone, just like the old Mr Whippy trucks from childhood. Residents know what that music means: joy is on its way.

“Some people tell me, ‘You’ve made my day.’ For some, that ice cream is everything,” Sandy explains. “I’ve given ice creams to people who are no longer mobile or are near the end of their life. It lightens a difficult time. Families join in, and the laughter is the best medicine.”

For Sandy, it’s not just about the ice cream—it’s about connection. “When I see their faces light up, the clapping hands, the laughter, I know this simple act has emotional and social benefits. It lifts the mood. Magic happens.”

Her visits have become a cherished occasion. Residents greet her with, “My favourite lady is here!” or “It must be Wednesday!” Staff join in, families smile, and stories are shared – stories of love, hardship, and joy. Sandy says, “I have heard the most beautiful stories over the years. It’s a privilege.”

Sandy’s message to anyone considering volunteering is simple: “Find something that brings joy—to others and to you. It doesn’t have to be big. Even an ice cream can change someone’s day.”