Launching Legacy’s nation-wide fundraising initiative, Legacy Badge Week 2008, in Sydney today, Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Alan Griffin encouraged all Australians to ‘dig deep’ to support the good work of Legacy. Legacy is a non-for-profit organisation established by the ex-service community in 1923 to support and care for the families of those lost in war.

“Legacy supports around 122,000 war widows from two world wars, Korea and Vietnam as well as the families of those who have lost a parent or partner in more recent deployments,” Mr Griffin said. “Legacy provides invaluable services to Australia’s veteran community and I encourage individuals and the corporate sector to give generously. Legacy complements the work of my Department––offering advice and assistance to the dependents of those lost in conflict and forging an important link between the two. Together, we can ensure that the families left behind have access to the best care and support available. As the majority of our war widows are now elderly and their health and care needs change, Legacy’s services will continue to be vital into the future.”

Mr Griffin said Legacy services took many forms, providing assistance to individuals depending on their needs, including counselling, special housing, medical, advocacy and social support. “I encourage all Australians to give generously in Legacy week to show our support for the volunteers and all those involved in this valuable organisation,” Mr Griffin said.