Calls for support ahead of Legacy Week

THEY may have a new home, but for Bendigo Legacy it’s business as usual ahead of this year’s Legacy Week.

From 28 August to 3 September, Legacy’s annual fundraiser will take place, raising money to help support the families of veterans.

Bendigo secretary Judi Perry said while volunteer numbers are still down compared to pre-pandemic levels, this will be the first year since 2019 that in-person fundraising can take place.

“Normally we have a few selling points, but this year it’ll just be up at the Marketplace and out at Lansells on Friday, 2 September and Saturday, 3 September and two Bunnings sausage sizzles as well,” she said.

Ms Perry said trying to get donations online during the pandemic was very difficult, resulting in thousands of dollars less than what would normally be raised.

“We did get a little bit, but it was nothing like we’d normally have. All donations are gratefully received,” she said.

“All the money that’s raised stays in Bendigo and it goes to help support the veterans’ families.

“We’ve got a lot of younger vets who are unable to work due to health reasons, so we’re there to assist with their children’s education and for the older ladies we’re there to assist them if they need any ramps or aids so they can stay in home as long as possible.”

Despite the pandemic, Bendigo Legacy volunteers were able to move out of their heritage-listed home in Mackenzie Street and into a bigger office on Lily Street in March this year.

President Kenrick Egan said the move was due to the organisation outgrowing the old building and the new space could allow for a hub to be developed, putting services such as Legacy, the RSL and Vietnam Veterans in the one building.

“The idea of the hub is a one-stop-shop so a veteran or their family could come to one place, and they only have to tell their story once and they’re directed to whoever can assist,” she said.

To celebrate the new home, Bendigo Legacy is holding an open day on Wednesday, 7 September, inviting legatees and beneficiaries to check out the space.