HAVING been helped by Legacy as a teenager, Colin Green has gone on to give back, supporting war widows and their families through the unique Australian organisation.
Mr Green is one of 13 volunteers known as Legatees that help family members of deceased and incapacitated servicemen and women.
The Cleveland resident was 12 years old when his mother died and 15 when his ex-serviceman father passed away.
Mr Green was supported by his stepmother until she died the following year and then by relatives.
Legacy stepped in, paying for him to go to boarding school and later supporting him in applying for entry to the Royal Military College, Duntroon.
Mr Green served in the army for 27 years and has been a Legatee since 1992.
Legacy is a voluntary organisation, supported by veterans, servicemen and women and volunteers.
It was founded in 1923 by a group of World War I veterans to take responsibility for the welfare of spouses and families of their comrades who were killed or wounded during war or on their return.
With 13 Legatees supporting about 500 widows and families in the Redlands, Mr Green has appealed for volunteers to help the organisation.
“Legacy desperately needs more people to volunteer their time as Legatees,” he said.
“I urge anyone who values mateship and the spirit of keeping a promise to a mate to please consider volunteering as a Legatee.
“Even a few hours a month can make a huge difference to widows and families in need in your local area,” he said.
Legacy Brisbane chief executive officer Brendan Cox said Legatees were the beating heart of Legacy.
“Our spirit of service is centred on the personal contact that our Legatees have with the families they support and that’s what makes Legacy care so special,” he said.
Mr Green said the help provided depends on the needs of a family at the time and the support that Legacy can provide.
“Listening skills are an important part of being a Legatee,” he said.
There is no requirement to have served in the armed forces
Induction training and ongoing mentoring is provided and social workers are available to assist when necessary.
To find out about becoming a Legatee, phone 3029 5600, email info@legacybrisbane.org.au or visit legacy.com.au/legatees. Alternatively phone Colin Green on 0407 235 982.