MORE than $8000 was raised for Legacy earlier this month when volunteers and school children sold badges, pens and keepsakes across Moree to support one of Australia’s best-loved institutions.

Legatees, with the help of school children from St Philomena’s Catholic School, canvassed Moree business houses and conducted a stall on Balo Street.

Moree Legacy president, Eric Carrigan, said this year’s drive was again a huge success.

“The fundraising was a great success, as it always is,” Mr Carrigan said.

“The generosity of the Moree people and of those in the surrounding district, never ceases.

“More than $8000 was raised to care for the war beneficiaries and their families, and although we only have eight beneficiaries’ currently in Moree and surrounding district, they are still cared for,” he said.

“On behalf of the Moree Division of Legacy Club Services, I thank everyone who volunteered their time, at the Moree Markets and throughout Legacy Week.”

(from left) John Tramby, Lila Fisher and Moree Legatee John Williams with the Moree Legacy Shield held at Moree RSL Regional Military Museum.

The Legacy Week appeal has been running since the 1940s and is a time for all Australians to show their support for the widows and children whose loved ones have served the country.

The Legacy badge is a special emblem of support for veterans’ families. They symbolise the nation’s greatest values of mateship, compassion and fairness.

Legacy badges may be little, but the funds they raise make a big impact in the lives of veterans’ families.

Legacy Week is a special time of the year – a time to give back to the families of those who have given so much.

Moree volunteer Darryl Brady said Moree businesses again supported this year’s appeal.

“Every business I approached was only too happy to support this worthy cause,” Mr Brady said.

“I also set up at Deluxe Cafe and Coles, where locals and visitors were only too happy to purchase the legacy products we had – bears, badges, keyrings and pens.

“It’s been a great appeal this year, and everyone is ecstatic with the result overall.

“Moree has always been a generous, giving community. Everyone is doing it tough these days, yet they still make the effort to support and fund good causes,” he said.

Moree RSL Regional Military Museum, a supporter of Legacy and associated organisations, is open to the public Fridays between 10am and 4pm and Saturday mornings between 1oam and 2pm.

The Moree RSL Regional Military Museum received various grants through Federal funding under the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program (LRCI), and local contributions, and is strongly supported by Moree Plains Shire Council.

Volunteers are encouraged and welcomed at the museum.

Anyone wishing to become a volunteer can contact John Tramby on 0428 659048 or RSL Sub-Branch president John Williams on 0428 650080.