With public health restrictions in place in many parts of the country Legacy Week will look a little different this year but a range of activities will ensure that the families of veterans will continue to benefit from this iconic annual fundraising event.
Legacy Week 2021 will run from 29 August to 4 September.
As well as providing support to service families in need Legacy Week activities will focus on family and community and maintaining positive social connections.
After the success of last year’s Bear Hunt campaign, this year’s Legacy Week will have a Teddy Bear Picnic as its centrepiece. The public can get involved with this at-home or outdoor activity by purchasing a Legacy picnic box and/or Legacy bear.
Legacy Week picnickers are also encouraged to get creative by sharing their Teddy Bear Picnic on social media (#LegacyTeddyBearPicnic).
Melbourne Legacy has partnered with catering company Taylor Made Gourmet, which has created the Legacy Teddy Bear Picnic box especially for Legacy Week.
The hamper contains a delicious mix of sweet and savoury picnic fare perfect for sharing with the family during your own Legacy Week picnic or on Father’s Day. A portion of the profits from this purchase goes to supporting and providing care to the families of Australian veterans.
Legacy Bears are available to purchase from the Legacy online shop as well as a free downloadable activity pack including colouring sheets featuring Australian landmarks.
“Public support through donations and purchasing our Legacy picnic box is more important now than ever to help us continue our work in supporting veterans’ families,” says Melbourne Legacy CEO Joanne Moloney.
“Through enforced isolation the pandemic has heightened issues such as PTSD, mental health and domestic violence in the families of our veterans.”
Ms Moloney says public support is vital to ensure that Legacy can continue to provide the support needed to “families who have given so much in service to our country”.
With the traditional Legacy Badge Day fundraising activities unable to take place due to COVID restrictions Legacy is asking for donations to assist in the continuation of its work supporting veterans’ families.
“Although this Badge Day may not feature ADF personnel or other volunteers rattling tins on the streets, the public’s donations and support are still vital to the ongoing mission,” Ms Moloney says.
Families and supporters of Legacy’s mission can contribute to Legacy Week online through donations or the purchase of merchandise at www.legacy.com.au
As part of this year’s campaign, Legacy has also launched Lunge for Legacy to raise awareness and vital funds for the families of veterans who have died by suicide since 2001.
Legacy has provided care for the families of veterans since 1923. Legacy offers a range of services including financial assistance, referrals for counselling, camps and programs, support for children’s education and advocacy for entitlements and services. The Legacy Week fundraising campaign began in 1942.