Thursday, June 25, 2015

MY FAVORITE CHARITY - MARGARET TANNER


AN ENDURING LEGACY – MARGARET TANNER

As the centenary of the 1st World War is upon us. I thought it appropriate to mention a charitable organization known as Legacy. It was started after the 1st World War by returning veterans who wanted to help the widows and children of their fallen comrades

There are certain charities that I will always donate money to, The Red Cross and The Salvation Army, I am sure everyone would have heard of these wonderful organizations and the great work that they do.

Legacy, which is dear to my heart, would be virtually unknown outside Australia.  This organization is dedicated to supporting the widows and children of Australian service personnel who die during their war service or after it.  They look after nearly 100,000 widows and close to 2,000 children. Each widow and child is provided with a Legatee, that is a volunteer, usually a veteran or a serving member of the armed forces who will act as a mentor and friend. A Legatee might have several children and widows they look out for. It is a voluntary organization and receives no government funding.

Most of the widows now are from the 2nd World War, Korea or Vietnam, but sadly, there are younger widows and children joining the Legacy ranks because of the war in Iraq, Timor and Afghanistan.

I have personal experience of the wonderful work that Legacy does. My late mother was a Legacy Widow, and they were extremely helpful to her. They fought the Veteran Affairs Department on her behalf and made it possible for her receive a War Widow’s pension from the government.  Her Legatee was a returned soldier in his 80’s, and he used to regularly drop in for a chat, and to make sure she didn’t need anything, he also visited her when she was in hospital for no reward, other than the knowledge that he was helping the widow of a fallen comrade.

My novel, The Loves We Left Behind, is a Special Edition, three book collection to mark the centenary of the 1st World War. It is published by Books We Love and is available in print and e-book formats.

I intend donating any profits from the sale of this book to the Melbourne branch of Legacy in memory of my mother.



 
THE LOVES WE LEFT BEHIND
A hundred years ago, from the far flung corners of the British Empire, young men rushed to fight for Mother England. They left their wives and sweethearts behind. Many of these brave women waited in vain for their men folk to return. How did they cope with the loss and heartache? Could they ever hope to find happiness with another man? Three full novels, each telling a brave young woman’s story of triumph over tragedy and adversity. Allison’s War, Daring Masquerade and Lauren’s Dilemma.


 

 

 

2 comments:

Judith Ashley said...

A very worthwhile charity, Margaret. I don't think we have anything like that in the US at all. I know because of some of my work with veterans that negotiating the VA system can be a nightmare.

I've "The Loves We Left Behind" on my TBR list. Fingers crossed you have mega profits to send to the Melbourne branch of Legacy in memory of your mother.

Sarah Raplee said...

What a wonderful group of volunteers! And what a wonderful way to honor your mother!