Forbes legatees Martin Cunningham And Frank Hanns, who participated in the legacy Centenary Torch Relay are encouraging local communities to show their support for Legacy during Legacy Week: 31 August to 6 September.
How many people know about Legacy and what it does? ‘Legacy Australia’ has provided support to the families of Australian Defence Force personnel who have lost their life, or health through service in conflicts overseas since 1923.
Legacy Australia was founded by an exserviceman, fulfilling a promise made to a dying mate in the trenches of World War 1.
This promise to look after his mate’s wife when he returned from war took on a greater meaning as the need for support for bereaved families of veterans was so great.
Today, Legacy has grown to include approximately 4,000 volunteers helping to support more than 40,000 widows and 1,800 children of veterans who have lost their lives or health due to active service overseas.
What does this mean locally? Forbes Legacy was formed in 1947 to support the widows and families in communities across the Bland, Cabonne, Cowra, Forbes, Lachlan, Parkes and Weddin Shire Council areas. Today, this area goes under the banner of Lachlan Legacy.
Lachlan Legacy President Jenny Friend stated, “Within Lachlan Legacy area there are seventy-two beneficiaries receiving support”.Forbes Legatee and Lachlan Legacy Vice President, Martin Cunningham said, “In Forbes there are eighteen beneficiaries being supported by Forbes Legacy volunteers, with another twelve in Parkes and four in Peak Hill that Forbes volunteers also look after.”
Legacy Week is the main fundraising time for this uniquely Australian non-profit organisation. This year Legacy Week runs from 31August to 6 September and volunteers will be selling promotional items (badges, pens, bears) across the country.
In Forbes volunteers will be selling items at Bunnings and Club Forbes. Parkes Services Club, Peak Hill Ex-Services and Citizen’s Club, Trundle Services and Citizens Club and Condobolin RSL and Cowra RSL will also have Legacy merchandise available.