For the second consecutive year, Port Stephens Legacy has had to cancel its major fund-raising activities and miss out on a cash injection to continue its work in supporting veteran families in the area.
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Legacy Week was due to be held from Sunday, August 29 to Saturday, September 4, but has once again been cancelled due to the uncertainty surrounding the current COVID-19 outbreak.
"This year due to COVID restrictions and the uncertainty of a further lockdown... the Port Stephens Legacy division of Newcastle Legacy has decided to not go ahead with the selling of Legacy badges and merchandise in the Port Stephens area this year," Carol Selkirk, chairwoman of Port Stephens Legacy, said.
In 'normal' times, Legatees, Torchbearers and students are active across the local government area during Legacy Week selling badges and other Legacy merchandise such as pens to raise funds for the organisation that supports veterans' families.
The Legacy Week appeal has been running since the 1940's.
"Legacy is an iconic and uniquely Australian charity dedicated to the care of widows and dependents of veterans, as well as those families of ADF personnel who have lost their life in hazardous service, training or peacekeeping operations," Ms Selkirk said. "We are the only organisation in the world that does this important work."
Port Stephens Legacy cares for 210 widows and 20 children within the Nelson Bay, Lemon Tree Passage and Medowie areas.
The Legacy group provides practical assistance for widows through pension advocacy, counselling, medical and social support.
"Legacy is also committed to ensuring the younger families of veterans are not disadvantaged by providing educational support and financial aid, contributing towards school fees, books, uniforms and support for them to pursue a tertiary education, as well as recreational activities," Ms Selkirk said.
In addition to Legacy Week, Port Stephens Legacy traditionally raises funds by hosting a concert in Nelson Bay featuring a performance from the Australian Army Band Newcastle.
The concert and Legacy Week fund-raising activities have not gone ahead since the outbreak of the pandemic.
However, residents can still support the Legacy group and its work.
Donations can be made directly to Port Stephens Legacy Division by bank transfer BSB: 062-826 Account Number: 00902333.
Legacy badges can still be purchased online at legacy.com.au/legacy-week.