MYALL Coast residents and visitors to the region dug deep last week and generously supported the annual Legacy Week appeal.

Bulahdelah RSL sub-branch President Mr Peter Millen said he knows only too well how important the support and assistance provided to families by Legacy is.

“My father was a Word War II Veteran and after he passed away Legacy helped my mother and family out,” Mr Millen said.

“It’s very personal for me and important that Legacy is supported so they are able to continue to assist families of veterans.”

According to Legacy Australia, more than 80,000 Australian families of defence personnel are given support with funds raised during Legacy Week.

It is the only organisation of its type in the world and relies on volunteers, many of whom are returned servicemen and women.

Mr Millen was among the dedicated group of volunteers who gave their time last week to assist with raising much needed funds.

Mr Millen said the response from the community and visitors has been great.

“People have been very generous. We had one person come through who was a veteran and when he saw what Legacy does he just wanted to show his support and give a donation,” Mr Millen told News Of The Area.

Mr Millen said he was pleased with the number of young community members who volunteered to help with the fundraising efforts.

“It is important to keep Legacy going and ensure that support for the organisation continues,” he said.

“Volunteering during Legacy Week also allows the young people to gain knowledge about the organisation and what they do.”

Legacy pins, pens, bracelets and teddy bears were amongst the items sold by the volunteers with all proceeds going towards assisting the families of veterans.

Legacy has operated since 1923 and honours the pledge made by the original ANZACs to care for the ‘missus and kids’ of their fallen comrades who had given their life or their health for their country.

 

By Daniel SAHYOUN