Volunteers are needed from across the west to help care for the families of defence personnel who have given their lives or health for their country.
Legacy looks after more than 90,000 widows and families of ex-servicemen and needs volunteers in Werribee, Hoppers Crossing, Altona, Melton, Sunshine, Yarraville and Williamstown to help families in need.
Volunteers, known as legatees, keep in contact with widows and family members, helping them through difficult times and handling practical matters, as well as developing friendships and networks.
Yarraville resident Tracey Matters has been a legatee for seven months and works with four widows and their families.
Canadian-born, Ms Matters knows first-hand about the importance of supporting the families of servicemen and women.
“My brother Greg was a Canadian Forces veteran who served in Bosnia,” she said.
“When he came home, he wasn’t the same person.
“I researched his symptoms and behaviour on the internet and discovered he had post- traumatic stress disorder. That’s why I’m so passionate about Australian Legacy, because there wasn’t the support services for my family, or my brother, when he came home.”
Email tracey.matters@rcfv.com.au
