Doing Our Part for Legacy Day
Restored from the Empower Network archive (2011–2017), lightly edited to meet our current advertising standards. Views are the original author’s.
What is Legacy?
Legacy is a charity providing services to Australian families suffering financially and socially after the incapacitation or death of a spouse or parent, during or after their defence force service. They currently care for 100,000 widows and 1,900 children and disabled dependants throughout Australia.
What is Legacy Week?
Legacy Week – Australia’s iconic fundraising campaign since 1942. It is also known for its Badge Day and the iconic badges offered as a token of appreciation for the donation made by the public.
Legacy Week is the annual national appeal to raise awareness and funds for the families of our deceased Veterans. It is held in towns and cities big and small across Australia and supported by young and old.
The funds raised from Legacy Week help Legacy continue to assist the widows, children and people with disabilities Australia-wide with essential services such as counselling, special housing, medical, advocacy and social support.
Public support will also help Legacy nurture children’s education by contributing towards their school fees, books, uniforms, and recreational activities to aid their self development and confidence.
There are thousands of Australian Defence Force personnel currently deployed overseas. Legacy stands ready to assist their families should the worst happen.
Our Link with Legacy
Dick Payten, pictured and quoted below, is not only a WW2 Veteran, a recipient of an OAM and an advocate for Legacy but he is also our Uncle. He is an extremely active and passionate man about things he cares about and at the age of 91 he would put most of us to shame.
When he asked us if we would help out for Legacy it went without saying that we would. So on Saturday 8th September 2012 we embarked on an adventure together to sell Legacy badges to the passing public.
Doing Our Part for Legacy
We were set up in a local shopping centre where the passing public could show their support and respect for our unsung heroes by purchasing a badge, pen or wrist band.
The morning started of a little slower than expected but then a steady flow of people started not only to buy items from us but to donate to such a worthy cause.
A lucky few even managed to have us pin the badges on them (at no extra cost!).
It’s OK Luv – give something to the kids
Too Cool!
We laughed, smiled and greeted everyone that passed by with a warm “good morning” or a friendly “hello”.
A lady and her son approached us and purchased several items. We offered to pin the badge for her but she declined as she was concerned that she might cry.
As we watched her walk away we noticed that she did in fact start to cry. Our natural instinct was to offer her some comfort. As it turned out, her young eighteen year old son had just enlisted in the Army and she was missing him terribly.
We wonder just how many other mothers have felt the same way over the years as their sons and daughters go off to serve and protect our country.
We should remember that without those who dedicate their lives for the sake of others, we may not be such a lucky country.
It was an awesome experience, listening to stories, laughing with strangers and having people donate money without wanting anything in return!
We are proud to be Australians and are proud to donate our time for such a worthy cause.
Go the Aussies and support Legacy Day whenever the opportunity arises!
Younger generation is eager to carr y the torch
By JO STUDDERT
The Australian
7 Sep 2012
THOSE returning Anzacs who’d promised to look after their mates’ wives and children couldn’t have picked a better name for their organisation. ‘‘Legacy’’ can mean an inheritance or money, something from the past helping into the future. And it can…