Volunteers aid veterans
Kingborough Council hosted a special afternoon tea on Wednesday, August 29 where council members and volunteers could meet with those involved with the Legacy program, including Legatees and widows of some of Kingborough’s servicemen.
A moving address was given during the event by Mrs Annette Martin in memory of her husband, Legatee Peter Martin.
Mrs Martin talked about how Legacy has helped their family and how it became a way of life for Mr Martin and herself.
Mr Martin’s services were recognised when he was made Kingborough Citizen of the Year in 2017.
This year, council support during Legacy Week will see the Mayor of Kingborough, Cr Dean Winter and the Deputy Mayor of Kingborough, Cr Jo Westwood both volunteering some of their time to help collect donations from the community.
“The afternoon tea celebrated the achievements of Legacy and was an opportunity to thank those who generously volunteer their time to support the charity,” said Deputy Mayor Westwood.
“Please keep an eye out for these volunteers as they collect on behalf of Legacy and give generously to support the families of those who served in the Australian Defence Force.”
Legacy President Peter Hodge hopes that the traditional generosity of the Kingborough area during Legacy Week will be seen again.
“The citizens of Kingborough have always given generously to Legacy but we have struggled to find people to help us collect their donations.
“The Council support this year is making all the difference.
“Hopefully the money raised in 2019 will be our best yet,” said Mr Hodge.
Volunteer Marketing Officer Susanne Curry will also be out in force during Legacy Week, raising awareness with the ‘Lockie for Legacy’ initiative.
“Lauchlan (Lockie) is my miniature Schnauzer and he attracts lots of attention when we are out and about.
“My aim is to use Lockie as a medium to attract children and families to the work of Legacy.
“I will be telling children that just as I support Lockie and he supports me, Legacy supports mums and dads and children who may need our help during or after their defence force service,” said Ms Curry.
Legacy Badge Week is the organisations major fundraising event for the year, enabling them to give the care and support that veteran’s families need and to continue Legacy’s 96 years of unbroken promise to care for these families.
According to Mr Hodge, in southern Tasmania, Legacy has over 800 widows and 24 children they support through a 9am to 4pm help line, pension advocacy, financial and welfare assistance, education support to children, support for five widows clubs, provision of birthday cards and a newsletter to widows, a hospital visit program, an Anzac Day Luncheon, a Nonagenarian High Tea and a Christmas Luncheon.
Pictured above: Attending the Legacy afternoon tea were Brumby Smalley from Kingston High School, Peter Hodge from Legacy, Amelie Hudspeth from Kingston High School, Deputy Mayor Cr Jo Westwood holding Lockie the Legacy Week mascot, Chris Cunningham a Legacy Volunteer and Annette Martin, wife of former Legacy Volunteer and Kingborough Citizen of the Year 2017 the late Peter Martin.
