Cade Lucas
Like many retirees, Werribee’s Mary Brand keeps herself busy by volunteering.
Unlike many others though, the 68-year-old gets a special title to go with her unpaid work.
“I’m a volunteer with Melbourne Legacy called a legatee,” said Ms Brand of her role with organisation that cares for returned service people and their families.
“I provide social support and assistance to predominantly World War II, Korean and Vietnam widows in the western branch.”
In being a legatee, Ms Brand is performing the same role she and her family benefitted from when her late father struggled with the aftermath of serving in WWII.
“War caused the illness,” she said of the impact the conflict had on her father, a member of the army who was posted to the Middle East, Sri Lanka (then Ceylon) and Papua New Guinea.
“He was ill all his life post-war and Legacy supported my mother and five children as dad was often in hospital.”
That support ranged from fire wood being chucked over the back fence to boxes of food and clothing being delivered and even scholarships to help with their education.
After her father’s death in 1996, the support then continued for Ms Brand’s mother.
“After he passed away we moved mum to Melbourne and she joined a Legacy widows’ group in Melbourne and made wonderful friendships with the other widows,” she said.
The former library technician and information manager within the government and professional services sectors said it’s a sense of gratitude for all this help that motivates her to do the same.
“The support that we got when we were young and the support mum got when she was older, that’s whole reason why I volunteer for legacy. To be able to give back.”
Up until September 2, giving back will involve Ms Brand and her fellow legatees asking other people to give during Legacy Week, which this year coincides with its centenary.
“It’s also the 100th year of Melbourne Legacy in October so we’re looking forward to especially generous community support this week,,” said Ms Brand who will be selling badges alongside other legatees, widows and current ADF personnel.
“Legacy continues to support families of service personnel even if they haven’t been to war.
“It’s as relevant at today as it was in WWI when it started.”
Details: www.legacy.com.au/legacy-week/
