Legacy is a charity, established in 1923, dedicated to supporting Australian families suffering financially and socially after the incapacitation or death of a spouse or parent, during or after their defence force service. Nationally, we currently care for around 100,000 widows and widowers, and 1,900 children (up to the age of 25 if they remain in full time education) and disabled dependants.
The Legacy Club of Canberra was inaugurated on ANZAC Day 1928 with just 32 members, called Legatees. Today, Canberra Legacy (including the Yass/Borrowa Group) consists of some 200+ Legatees who volunteer their time to provide support to families in the Canberra region. We currently support around 1250 widows and 22 children, called Junior Legatees. Support can include, but is not limited to:
- Trusted advice – Provision of advice on matters such as pension advocacy, entitlements, health and wellbeing resources and any other lifestyle issues identified by our widows.
- Combating social isolation – Facilitation of activities such as concerts, luncheons and other events for our widows. We recognise that many of our widows live alone and have restricted mobility therefore our Legatees, where possible, provide transportation services where required.
- Living at home with dignity – The vast majority of our widows wish to remain independent in their own homes. Legacy has a responsibility to support this desire and does so through arranging and where required, covering the associated costs of modifications such as the installation of ramps, medical emergency alarms, security systems, heating/cooling etc., allowing our widows to live comfortably in their own homes.
- Financial support – If a widow’s income does not provide for a minimum standard of wellbeing, Legacy can provide a loan, grant or allowance where a genuine need is identified. This can include assistance with medical, pharmaceutical, home maintenance and transport costs. We also provide education grants to our Junior Legatee’s so they can reach their full potential. We can also provide tutoring costs for any Juniors who require some additional assistance.
The challenge ahead of us is meeting the needs of the younger widows and in light of this, Canberra Legacy has begun a New Generation Legacy Widows support group. This group provides not only a support network, but also an opportunity for them to advise Canberra Legacy of the services that the younger generation requires, taking us back to our roots where we began off looking after younger widows from WW1.
Legacy receives some Government assistance by way of grants for particular projects; however, the Canberra Legacy’s main source of income is through its own efforts. The principle fundraising activity each year is the selling of badges during Legacy Week, at the beginning of September. Canberra Legacy believes that’s its work in honouring the debt that Australia owes its deceased servicemen and servicewomen is well recognised in the wider community. The financial assistance provided by the Canberra community stays in the local region, supporting Canberra-based families. Canberra Legacy hopes that its request for ongoing financial assistance will be understood and supported.
We are always looking for new volunteers to assist us in carrying out our work. We encourage members of the public who are interested in helping to offer their time during Legacy Week to sell badges. Or, if you have a couple of hours spare each week and believe you hold the same values as those of Legacy and are interested in obtaining further information on becoming a Legatee, we welcome you to establish contact. You can stay in touch with what Canberra Legacy is up to by reaching us at ‘Canberra Legacy’ on Facebook. We would be delighted to hear about the myriad of activities people do in supporting Legacy; all of which are greatly appreciated by the widows and Juniors Legatees.
Web: www.legacy.com.au/canberra/CanberraLegacy
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CanberraLegacy
Phone: (02) 6285 1800
Email: [email protected]
Loading ...
