As the nation prepares to pause and remember the sacrifices of ex-servicemen and women on November 11 for Remembrance Day, a Noosaville man is calling on the community to donate in the lead-up to commemorations.
John Reid has volunteered for Legacy since 1996, however his connection to the organisation began long before that.
As the son of a veteran, Mr Reid first became connected to Legacy when he was just two years old, following his father’s passing, when he and his mother received support from the organisation.
Later, following in his father’s footsteps, Mr Reid joined the army as a surveyor and was deployed to New Guinea, where he carried out mapping operations.
After retiring from the army he became involved with Legacy, and has continued to do so since moving to Noosaville in 2010.
“Following my father’s passing in Sydney when I was young, Legacy looked after my mum and myself, not just immediately but right through my time in school as well,” he said.
“Legacy helped me receive study funding, then known as the Soldier’s Children Education Scheme, when I had the opportunity to attend university, and continued to support me until I finished studying.
“Education was followed by two years of national service then a career as a partner in a professional practice. Once I had a little more time on my hands, I joined Legacy Brisbane when I first moved to Queensland in 1996.
“Following this, I relocated to Sydney for 10 years, joining Legacy Chatswood, before moving back to the Sunshine Coast in 2010, continuing my work with Legacy Brisbane.”
Mr Reid said he found volunteering with a group such as Legacy was worthwhile and rewarding.
“I enjoy dealing with the families and the widows who we work with, who all have wonderful life stories, and I convene and offer support at the local Legacy Laurel Club, which is a meeting place for Legacy members,” he said.
“The Sunshine Coast Legacy Group currently supports about 700 beneficiaries and I am allocated about 40 families across the northern part of the Sunshine Coast.
“Our volunteer Legatees offer a great service in supporting beneficiaries, and we would love to see more members of the community donate their time to come on board.
“Legacy Brisbane’s work in the Sunshine Coast mainly deals with older widows, some in their 90s and 100s, while also supporting some beneficiaries with a disability, and younger widows whose partners served after World War II.”
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Mr Reid said Remembrance Day held special significance for him.
“Remembrance Day is an important day where we acknowledge those who served and defended Australia,” he said.
“ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day are two very important days on our national calendar, and they offer a great opportunity for the community to stop and reflect on the commitment and sacrifice of members of the Australian Defence Forces.
“(The days) are a focal point where people across Australia remember the veteran community, while acknowledging the important and practical impact that organisations, including Legacy Brisbane, have for the families of veterans.”
Founded in 1923 on a promise made from one Digger to another to “look after the missus and kids”, Legacy supports the families of our servicemen and women who have lost their lives or their health as a result of their service.
Today, 100 years on, Legacy supports more than 43,000 people across Australia offering financial, social connection and development support services. You can support the cause by donating here.
The charity has also launched its Legacy House project, offering a ‘single front door’ for a range of support services for veterans and their families, simplifying the process of receiving care and support. Slated for development in Greenslopes in Brisbane, Legacy House requires $4 million in community and philanthropic support to build. Find out more here.
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