Cobram/Yarrawonga Legacy Group President Brian Bouchier said for the last hundred years, Melbourne Legacy and its regional Groups have been supporting the families of veterans.
“While our service delivery model has evolved over that time to better meet the needs of modern families, the issues faced by these families are largely the same,” he said.
“We continue to remain tirelessly dedicated to understanding the needs of families impacted by the mental and physical injuries of their loved ones who have served our country and supporting them in any way we can.
“Badge Week is an opportunity for the wider community to honour the sacrifices of those who bravely defended our country, by buying a badge or making a donation.”
During Legacy Week, volunteers will be in Tocumwal, Cobram and Yarrawonga.
They will visit local supermarkets, and set up outside local newsagencies collecting donations and selling the iconic Legacy badges and teddy bears.
“Not only is Badge Week a crucial opportunity to raise funds for those who need it most, it serves as an opportunity to form connectivity and a sense of community among the veteran family community,” Mr Bouchier said.
“And, importantly, funds raised in our area stays in our area to support our war widows.
“It is a beacon of solidarity for our veterans and their families, who are often reminded of how they have been impacted by serving our country.
“While we work year-round to support these families, Legacy Week provides the perfect opportunity for the wider community to get involved and pitch in to help us, so we can better help them.”
Cobram/Yarrawonga Legacy, being a dub-group of Melbourne Legacy, provides social, financial and developmental support to families of those who sacrificed their lives or health in Service for our country.
Donations support the families of veterans in all areas of life, including community engagement and programs, advocacy, counselling, financial assistance, and support for children’s education.
Mr Bouchier said with more than 100 years operating in Melbourne, and 75 years in the Cobram area, Legacy’s work is ongoing.
“Legacy, has been keeping the promises made by those in the trenches to support each other's families,” he said.
“Although the needs of our veterans’ families are different today, the demand for support is just as great.
“Crucial funds donated in and around the districts of Tocumwal, Cobram, Barooga, Yarrawonga and Mulwala goes towards looking after the widows and families of our war veterans in these communities.
“Our vision is a society in which no veteran’s family is disadvantaged by Service to our country.”
