THE PORT ADELAIDE FOOTBALL CLUB wants its family to support another in Legacy Week, and it has nothing to do with sport.
Affectionately known as ‘Australia’s biggest family’ Legacy is an organisation that has for more than nine decades supported the families and children of veterans who have lost their lives or health during service of their country, in all conflicts from World War II to the present day.
With the help of a group of dedicated volunteers, known as Legatees, Legacy currently supports more than 5,000 widow(er)s, partners, children and dependants with a disability throughout South Australia and Broken Hill.
Port Adelaide has a long and proud list of players and staff who have served their country in times of war and the club has maintained a powerful relationship with the Australian Defence Force for many years.
The relationship with the ADF has seen the club implement programs that support Defence personnel and their families including the ‘Power to be Positive’, which is aimed at teaching wellbeing and resilience to children of those who serve the nation and are often forced to relocate frequently. This program is delivered in South Australia, the Northern Territory and in Penang, Malaysia.
“The Port Adelaide Football Club has long provided programs that support the families of those in the Australian Defence Force because of the unique challenges they face,” said Ross Wait, who is the General Manager of Port Adelaide’s not-for-profit community arm Power Community Limited.
“For 11 years, the Port Adelaide Football Club has hosted the Anzac Cup Challenge, which features a curtain-raiser which pits the Australian Defence Force Australian Rules All-Stars men’s team against the Australian Combined Emergency Service.
“But this year we want to go further and support Legacy Week to help raise awareness and funds for the families of our injured and deceased veterans.”
Legacy Week runs from Sunday 1 September until Saturday 7 September and has since 1942 helped Legacy continue to assist approximately 60,000 beneficiaries, with 96% of them being elderly widows throughout Australia, with essential services such as counselling, special housing, medical, advocacy and social support.
Public support will also help Legacy nurture children’s education, by contributing towards their school fees, books, uniforms, and recreational activities to aid their self-development and confidence.
There are thousands of Australian Defence Force personnel currently deployed overseas. Legacy stands ready to assist their families should the worst happen.
“Legacy Week is a way for the community to show support for local widow(er)s and families whose loved ones have served our country,” said Legacy President Meredith Wyles.
“This Legacy Week, we ask you to buy a small badge to help us support the families of veterans who are deceased or have given their health.
“Legacy badges may be small, but the funds they raise make a big impact on the lives of those who have given up so much and need us to continue to stand by their side during the tough times."
Mrs Wyles explained that many of those who served gave the ultimate sacrifice, never making the journey home while others returned bearing the physical or mental scars of war.
“Legacy also supports families whose husbands or partners died many years after serving our nation. All are equally deserving of our respect and support for the sacrifices they have made for their country.
“The impact of your generosity will be felt in the living rooms of the widow(er)s, partners and children in your neighbourhood.”
People can purchase the iconic legacy badges as well as wristbands and pens from the Port Club at Alberton Oval, where there’ll also be a donation tin and special pay wave machines which will allow users to make $2 donations with every tap.
Alternatively you can donate here to support Legacy and the work it does.
