COVID has thrown up plenty of challenges for Goulburn Legacy in recent years but the community has dug deep for the charitable organisation.
On Monday, Lions Club of Goulburn City handed over a $5000 cheque to assist Legacy's work helping war widows and their families. In addition, local businesspeople and philanthropists Tony and Adriana Lamarra donated $1000.
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Recently elected Lions president Mick Gordon said the club had been donating to Legacy for many years.
"It's a part of Goulburn's history and will be there while ever there is a need," he said.
The funds came from the annual Christmas raffle, which were also dispersed to Lions' Australia and the international body.
In the past year, the club has donated well over $30,000 to local organisations.
Meantime, Tony and Adriana Lamarra continued their philanthropy with their annual $1000 to Legacy.
Mr Lamarra said as a former Lions Club member, he fully appreciated the organisation's role in the community.
"I'm (also) very familiar with it because I was a 'war boy,' he said.
He was seven years old when German forces invaded his hometown of Mont Cassino in Italy. A bombing campaign destroyed much of the town and his family virtually became refugees before coming to Australia in the early 1950s.
Mr Lamarra said the community had always regarded Legacy fondly and recalled former Saint Patrick's College cadets and other secondary students assisting the annual appeal.
He has purchased 11 $1000 badges over the years.
"Legacy is a great thing for the community and has a strong group of leaders," Mr Lamarra said.
"I encourage people in the business community to donate because it could help their grandmother or great grandmother. This helps the widows of people who went to war and we should never forget that.
Legacy Appeals committee chairman Ron Stamm said COVID-19 had stifled the annual September fundraiser and the organisation was relying on community donations.
"We're absolutely grateful for these and all donations, regardless of the size," he said.
"All money stays local and goes towards upkeep of Legacy Lodge (widows accommodation in Lagoon Street) and to those widows living in their own home."
Goulburn Legacy looks after the needs of some 127 widows within the city and district.
Although the appeal was not help this year, people could still donate or purchase merchandise, such as badges, pens and bears online, Mr Stamm said.
This can be done via the website at https://www.legacy.com.au/clubs/nsw/goulburn/
- The author is Goulburn Legacy publicity officer.
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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.
