100 years of Melbourne Legacy: volunteers and ADF join forces to support the families of veterans

Legacy Week 2023: 27 August – 2 September

Melbourne Legacy is fundraising this Legacy Week, from 27 August to 2 September, to continue providing crucial support to the families of our veterans

This August, Melbourne Legacy is calling on the Victorian community to dig deep and show their support for the partners and children of veterans who sacrificed their lives or health in Service to our country.

“For the last hundred years, Melbourne Legacy has 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,” said Legatee Kerry Jenke, Melbourne Legacy President.

“We 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 Day is an opportunity for the wider Victorian community to honour the sacrifices of those who bravely defended our country, by buying a badge or making a donation.”

On Friday 1 September between 7–10am, Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel will line the streets of Melbourne CBD, collecting donations and selling the iconic Legacy badges and teddy bears, to raise funds for the families of veterans who have served our country.

Melbourne Legacy volunteers and Legatees will join the ADF on Badge Day, tin rattling and collecting donations.

“Not only is Badge Day 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 amongst the veteran family community,” said Legatee Jenke.

“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.”

Vintage-style posters will be plastered across landmark CBD locations in the lead up to Legacy Week, to raise awareness of the appeal and pay homage to the generations of families of veterans.

Melbourne Legacy provides social, financial and developmental support to families of those who sacrificed their lives or health in Service for our country. Donations work to 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.

“For 100 years, Melbourne Legacy has been keeping the promises made by those in the trenches to support each others’ families. Although the needs of our veterans’ families are different today, the demand for support is just as great,” concluded Legatee Jenke.

“Our vision is a society in which no veteran’s family is disadvantaged by Service to our country.”

For more information or to donate, visit legacy.com.au/donate

About Melbourne Legacy

Since 1923, Melbourne Legacy has provided consistent and comprehensive care for families of veterans. Melbourne Legacy currently supports over 4,700 people, all of whom are part of a family that has been touched by a loved one’s Service to our country.

In support of families, Melbourne Legacy offers a range of individualised services including financial assistance, referrals for counselling, camps and programs, support for children’s education and advocacy for entitlements and services.