General News
6 September, 2023
Still time to dig deep for Legacy families
Horsham residents have this week been digging in to their wallets to help the families of men and women who have served their country in war. Legacy Badge Week is a major fundraiser for the national organisation which was formed 100 years ago after...
Horsham residents have this week been digging in to their wallets to help the families of men and women who have served their country in war.
Legacy Badge Week is a major fundraiser for the national organisation which was formed 100 years ago after World War I and which has helped thousands of people over the years.
This year's Badge Week offically ends tomorrow.
Volunteers are accepting donations and selling items today at Horsham Plaza and at Horsham Post Office.
Legacy was founded 100 years ago after World War 1 when a dying serviceman asked friends to care for his wife and family.
The Wimmera branch’s 32 Legatees continue to help about 90 widows in an area across the Wimmera and Southern Mallee.
Badge Week organiser Neville Smith of Horsham said money from the sale of badges and other items would be used locally.
"Legacy provides comfort and security by supporting older widows and helps them live
fuller and happier lives,” Mr Smith said.
Volunteers are also selling items at Birchip, Murtoa, Donald, Hopetoun, Jeparit, Rainbow, Warracknabeal and Dimboola and have collection boxes at Nhill, Harrow and Edenhope.
Donations over $2 are tax deductible.
Mr Smith said many of the Legatees had a close connection with wars. His father and five uncles served in the British army and navy in World War 1 with five of the six returning home.
His uncle who was killed was a "driver", in charge of horses used on the battle grounds, and has his name on a wall at Pozieres Cemetery.
Mr Smith also had an uncle on his mother's side from Rainbow, Bill Bruce, who was in the 8th Light Horse Regiment and saw action in the Middle East and on the Western Front.