FROM what dawned as ‘look after the missus and the kids” a century ago, multiple thousands of war veterans’ families have been supported both financially and emotionally by Legacy.
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This week is Legacy Week, and one of Australia’s oldest charities will again call on the public for support with its annual Legacy Badge Week fundraiser.
Legacy grew out of the ashes of WWI with a promise to look after the many families left at home, according to Tamworth Legacy president and legatee Laurie Hoad.
“That promise continues at the heart of what Legacy does today, and currently supports 90,000 families of defence personnel across Australia who gave their lives or health for their country,” Mr Hoad said.
Tamworth Legacy, which consists of seven contact groups in Barraba, Boggabri, Gunnedah, Manilla, Narrabri, Quirindi and Tamworth, was established in 1948.
“We stand ready to support veteran’s families both financially and emotionally after the death or serious injury of their spouse or parent during or after their active service,” Mr Hoad said.
So, when you see a badge seller in the street, Legacy is saying “please help out”.
“For each serving Australian who risks everything, a family does the same. And when Legacy is needed, it’s always ready to provide support. The Tamworth group currently assists over 500 Legacy widows in these areas,” Mr Hoad said.
New Legatee’s rewarding local service
TAMWORTH national serviceman John Corcoran is only new to Tamworth Legacy’s ranks of legatees.
But he’s enjoying every minute of it, and is surprised there aren’t more volunteers out there doing similar help in the community.
“I’ve only been in for three months – you’re basically given a three-month trial period, so I’m just very new,” he said.
“We get allotted families and it’s our responsibility to call in and talk with them, give them moral support or financial assistance wherever needed, and just basically make sure they carry on with life the best way they can. It would take only four or five hours out of our month.”
John, who did two years at Singleton during his national service five decades ago.
“It’s a good rewarding thing to do, he said.