East Gippsland residents are being urged to dig deep and support the families of Australian Defence Force veterans as the East Gippsland Branch of Melbourne Legacy prepares to launch its annual fundraising drive next week.
Running from Monday, August 31 to Saturday, September 5, Legacy Week serves as the primary fundraising effort for the organisation, which has been providing lifelong care, support, and financial relief to veterans’ families since 1923.
Crucially, every dollar raised across East Gippsland during the appeal stays local, directly funding care and welfare services for Legacy widows and beneficiary families living within the region.
Volunteers will be selling iconic Legacy badges and merchandise from 9.30am to 3.30pm daily at major retail locations across Bairnsdale and Paynesville:
– Bairnsdale: Coles, Woolworths, Bunnings, and Lucke’s Fresh Market
– Paynesville: Paynesville IGA
Tony Webb, chair and secretary of the East Gippsland Branch of Melbourne Legacy, highlighted the vital role community generosity plays in sustaining local services.
“The local East Gippsland community has generously supported Legacy each year during Legacy Week, and this is greatly appreciated by the local widows and beneficiary families who we provide care and support to,” Mr Webb said.
“It honours the service and sacrifice of their family members who have served in the military, ensuring they are never left behind.”
Members of the public are encouraged to stop by the collection points throughout the week to purchase a badge or make a donation to support local families.
