Legacy Week is underway around the country, with the charity calling on communities everywhere to get behind what could be one of its most important years yet, following the biggest change to Legacy’s eligibility rules in its 100 year history.
In Inverell, the local branch is calling on residents to volunteer, donate or spread the word, with the week running until Saturday, 5 September.
The annual appeal has been a cornerstone of the charity’s fundraising efforts since the 1940s, with thousands of volunteers across the country selling badges and bears to raise funds for veterans’ families. Inverell Legacy general manager Lyn Kitawal urged the community to get involved in whichever way it could, whether that meant volunteering, donating, organising an event, or simply spreading the word.
Inverell Legacy is looking for volunteers on Thursday and Friday, from midday to 5pm. Donations can be made at any of its stalls, its shop, or its office, or by buying a Legacy badge or bear from a volunteer. Locals can also rally friends, colleagues or workplaces to run a fundraiser of their own, from a morning tea to a sports day.
Inverell Legacy currently cares for 100 family members of veterans, including 22 children and one university student, providing social outings, education support, home visits, personal alarms, and accommodation and financial assistance.
Merchandise will be on sale across the district throughout the week. In Inverell, stalls will run from Wednesday to Saturday at Big W, Woolworths, the Post Office, the back of Prices Plus, and RDR Real Estate, with students also selling merchandise around town each morning over the same period. Stalls will also run all week at Inverell Public School, the Legacy Office and the Legacy Centre.
Further afield, stalls will be set up at Bingara on Thursday and Friday outside Meat on Maitland and IGA, at Texas from Wednesday to Friday outside Hong Yuen’s, and all week at the Golf and Bowling Club in Warialda, the school in Gum Flat and the shop in Yetman. Bundarra will have a stall at the school office, with students also selling merchandise around town, and a Legatee will be at the Delungra Hotel from 6pm on Friday. EFTPOS will be available at stalls in Inverell, Bundarra, Delungra and Texas.
The push in Inverell coincides with the statewide launch of Legacy Week, with Minister for Veterans David Harris joining members of the veteran community at a commemorative service at the Cenotaph in Martin Place.
“Legacy Week is a time for all of us to pause and reflect on the extraordinary sacrifices made by Australia’s veterans and their families,” Mr Harris said.
“While we honour the service of those who have worn our nation’s uniform, we also recognise the families who have stood beside them through times of challenge, uncertainty and loss.
“I encourage everyone to show their support this week by making a small donation and purchasing a Legacy badge to help make a meaningful difference in the lives of veteran families and help Legacy continue its invaluable work.”
Sydney Legacy president Julie Bowden said the charity’s 100 year old promise to support veterans’ partners and children was as urgent as ever.
“The families we support today are still adjusting to loss, to injury and to the shadow war can cast over a household,” Ms Bowden said.
The launch of the new Veteran and Family Wellbeing Agency, announced in response to a recommendation of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, was a welcome step, Ms Bowden said, but the work was not finished.
“This Legacy week, I encourage every Australian to donate and help us continue supporting veteran families for the next 100 years,” she said.
Locals wanting to volunteer, donate or find out more can visit www.facebook.com/inverell.legacy, call the Legacy office on 02 6722 1945, or email inverell.legacy@gmail.com. Merchandise and donations are also available online through http://www.legacy.com.au/donate.
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