august 23 - 29 | 2017
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circulating in wangaratta, myrtleford, bright, mt beauty, beechworth, yackandandah, rutherglen, chiltern and districts
Mary helping hands By KYLIE WILSON
GIVING BACK:
Legacy members Bob Hayward and Elaine Sewell enjoy a friendly chat. PHOTO: Kylie Wilson
GARDENING WITH
DEBBI
RSPCA
WITH
CEASER
MOVIE AMERICAN
MADE
WINE TALK WITH
ANITA
ACROSS the North East, a dedicated group of community minded people work tirelessly to look after the wives or families of deceased and incapacitated servicemen of a range of conflicts. Secretary/treasurer of the Wangaratta/ Myrtleford/Bright Legacy group, Elaine Sewell, said Legacy helps meet the needs of just over 200 people in the region. Those needs range from transport to medical or legal appointments, to being taken on outings, or even just getting a phone call or a visit to check up. She recalled Legacy helping a large group of widows around 18 months ago, giving them all Australian made knee rugs in order to help them stave off the cold and save money on their energy bills. “There’s no set pattern – we just help where we can,” she said. Whether it be the occasional phone call or chat over afternoon tea, a present at Christmas, social gatherings and outings, or other help, members of Legacy say they love taking the time to give back to the community. Current local Legacy president Bob Hayward said that many services provided by Legacy have come full circle, from working with widows and families in its earlier days, to looking out for elderly widows. Widows of Vietnam veterans are also involved, and while it is less common because many veterans choose to live elsewhere, Legacy sometimes helps families in the wake of more recent conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq. Bob has been involved in Legacy for close to 25 years. “I began in Bourke, NSW and have now served here in Wang nearly 20 years,” he said. He said mateship and community service is central to the organisation. continued page |
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