General News
30 August, 2024
Badge Week honours veteran families
Wimmera Legacy is preparing for its major annual fundraiser - Badge Week.
Legatees and volunteers will sell badges and other items from September 1-7 across the Wimmera and Southern Mallee where 31 members care for about 70 widows.
Legacy formed in Australia at the end of the First World War, resulting from a request by a soldier to his mate to 'look after the missus and the kids" if he failed to return.
Wimmera Legacy Badge Week chair Neville Smith said it was a simple promise that Legacy kept to this day.
"We don't receive government assistance so rely on the generosity of people to help fund the organisation," he said.
"We help people in a variety of ways from financial help to practical assistance as needed."
In 1923 General Sir John Gellibrand formed the Remembrance Club in Hobart and another returning soldier, Lieutenant General Sir Stanley Savige, established a similar club in Melbourne which was named Legacy.
The organisation, which celebrates its centenary this year, assists families after the loss or injury of a veteran.
While numbers have fallen over the years, Legacy continues, Australia-wide, to support 34,000 partners and children of veterans who lost their life or health.
Mr Smith said all money raised in the area would help local widows.
Collection points will be at Horsham Plaza throughout the week (10am-4pm, Saturday 10am-2pm).
Others, primarily on Friday September 6, will be at Horsham Post Office, Natimuk, Dimboola IGA, Nhill Bakery, Warracknabeal IGA, Rainbow Newsagency, Hopetoun Post Office, Sharp's Bakery in Birchip, and Donald IGA.
People wishing to donate also can contact Mr Smith on 0491 154 176.