Bears dressed in Defence Force uniforms will not be making an entry on Goulburn and district streets this year.
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The popular toys and other merchandise, sold to raise funds during Legacy Week, have been packed away for an anticipated re- appearance in 2021.
Goulburn Legacy's appeals committee chairman Ron Stamm said coronavirus had prompted a re-think on the annual fundraiser.
"We've been thinking about it for a while and decided that with the regulations on social distancing and sanitisation, it was just too difficult to man our usual stalls in Goulburn Square, Marketplace, Trappers and Bunnings etc," he said.
Likewise, the charitable organisation cannot enlist school students to sell the merchandise, which also includes badges, pens and wristbands, in the usual way.
But the setback is not deterring efforts.
Mr Stamm encouraged locals to give generously during Appeals Week from August 27 to September 2. It is the branch's main fundraiser of the year, with money supporting Goulburn and district's 139 war widows in its care. Funds are also channeled into Legacy Lodge in Lagoon Street, which accommodates some of the widows.
"Legacy recognises that business is doing it tough but we do ask organisations to be generous," he said.
Individuals and organisations can donate during Legacy Week via the Club's website at https://www.legacy.com.au/goulburn/Aboutus or by post to Goulburn Legacy, PO Box 13, Goulburn NSW 2580.
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All money stays locally and supports widows in Goulburn and district, including Braidwood.
Legacy Australia left it to individual branches' discretion to decide whether they would sell the merchandise this year, according to the risk.
Mr Stamm said coronavirus had also dealt a blow to the Goulburn Club's Bunnings barbecues, held three times a year as another fundraising source. The store has cancelled the August fixture, along with many others, as a matter of safety.
It's intended that Legacy Week will be launched at the Australian War Memorial on Monday, August 31. However it is dependent on ACT restrictions at the time.
Australia-wide, the charitable organisation supports 65,000 widows and widowers, and 1800 children.
- The author is publicity officer for Goulburn Legacy.
Louise Thrower
If you have a story to tell, drop me a line at louise.thrower@austcommunitymedia.com.au or call 0418 229 678.
If you have a story to tell, drop me a line at louise.thrower@austcommunitymedia.com.au or call 0418 229 678.
