It was 90 years ago when a small group of World War I veterans set up a charity called Legacy to look after the widows and families of ex-servicemen.
Today, more than 90,000 Australians are benefiting from the hard work and care given by 5900 Legatees across the nation.
Jack Macguffie and his mum, Louise, are beneficiaries. Jack’s dad, Ewen, was a warrant officer in the Royal Australian Air Force during the Vietnam War. He died from a heart attack in 2006.
Eighteen-year-old Jack, a Tarneit resident, has been to many Legacy camps and is completing his Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning through Wyndham Community and Education Centre, training for an apprenticeship in refrigeration and cooling.
Louise said the family had received financial assistance, particularly with Jack’s tuition.
“I didn’t really know much about Legacy, but as soon as I got to one of the camps we were talking about how we dealt with our parents being in the war, and passing away, and stuff like that,” Jack said.
“It’s good because you connect with other kids there, about how their parents were and what situation they’re in.
“They teach you really good leadership skills and teach you that, even though we’ve had a parent pass away, we can still strive through life with a smile on our face every day.”
Melbourne Legacy president Ian Harrison said that for each Australian serviceman or woman who served their country, a family did the same.
Volunteers will be selling badges, wrist-bands and Legacy teddy-bears next week for Legacy Week.
Details: www.legacy.com.au
