Legacy Week

Categories:: Cause
Tags:: Appreciation Civic
Where:: Australia
Date change rule:: Week starting with the last Sunday of August through the first Saturday of September
Holiday emoji:: 🇦🇺

Legacy Week is celebrated across Australia from the last week of August to the first Saturday of September, dedicated to supporting the families of defense personnel who have lost their lives or health in service. Join the nation in honoring these sacrifices by donating, volunteering, or spreading awareness.

Deals
Platforms
Social
Hero
History
Timeline
Businesses
FAQs
Importance
Observe

Expected Legacy Week Deals

Legacy Week is primarily a fundraising drive rather than a commercial sales event. However, many Australian businesses partner with Legacy to facilitate donations. Look for opportunities to round up purchases at major retailers like Woolworths and Coles, or participate in workplace giving programs. Australia Post branches often serve as collection points for the iconic Legacy badges and merchandise. Financial institutions such as Commonwealth Bank may offer donation matching initiatives. Additionally, local community groups and RSL clubs often host events with proceeds benefiting Legacy. We will update this page with confirmed live fundraising opportunities as August 2027 approaches.

Platform Guide for Legacy Week

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #LegacyWeek. Share stories of Legacy families or promote local fundraising events.

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #LegacyWeek. Post photos of Legacy badges, volunteers, or show how you’re supporting the cause.

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #LegacyWeek. Share updates on fundraising efforts, news about veteran support, or retweet messages from Legacy Australia.

Legacy Week Hero

Lieutenant-General Sir Stanley Savige

Lieutenant-General Sir Stanley Savige (1890-1954) was an Australian Army officer who served in both World Wars. Inspired by the Remembrance Club, he founded Legacy in 1923 in Melbourne. His vision was to ensure the widows and children of fallen or incapacitated servicemen received ongoing care and support, establishing a lasting legacy of compassion.

History of Legacy Week

The Australian Commonwealth Military Forces came into being with 28,923 colonial soldiers. Australian forces showed courage, valor, and strength in the wars to come that shook the entire world. They supported Allied powers wherever they could without hesitation. But the war brought casualties to Australia as well. Legacy was founded in 1923 by Major General Sir John Gellibrand to assist the families of armed forces personnel who lost loved ones in the war and assist defense officers who lost their health. The organization extended its helping hand to help those defense officers suffering from P.T.S.D. from experiencing the violence of the wars.

Legacies work through volunteers who are called Legatees. Currently, legatees assist more than 40,000 widows, 1,800 children, and disabled dependents. Legacy provides them with assistance, accommodation, and medical and social support free of cost. Legacy’s assistance also depends on the situation of the person being supported. Legatees stay in touch with all families, and Legacy ensures they receive proper Legacy entitlements and access to government benefits they deserve.

The Legacy started with the idea that the returned servicemen would take on the duty of supporting the widows and children. In 1942, the war orphans appeal started to raise funds for the widows and children of Australian soldiers who lost their lives. Today, that appeal is known as Legacy Week. Legacy raises funds through sales of merchandise like badges. Children who volunteer are the primary source of salespeople for the Legacy. They also use special events, sponsorships, dinners, banquets, and other events to raise funds for the organization.

Legacy Week timeline

1923

The Formation of Legacy

Captain Stanley Savige starts Legacy in Melbourne.

1942

The Second World War

Legacy raises funds to help widows and orphans of soldiers dying at war.

1973

The Seven-Cent Commemorative Stamp

The Australian post office issues a seven-cent stamp to commemorate the Legacy’s 50 years.

2000

The Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Legacy supports families suffering from the effects of PTSD and other mental health conditions.

How Businesses Can Celebrate Legacy Week

Local Australian businesses can honor Legacy Week by hosting fundraising events, such as a morning tea or a barbecue, with proceeds benefiting Legacy Australia. Display Legacy badges and merchandise for sale, encouraging customers to donate. Consider a ’round up’ option at the register or a percentage of sales to be donated. Businesses can also organize internal awareness campaigns for employees, highlighting the importance of supporting defense families.

Legacy Week FAQs

When is Legacy Week?

In 2026, Legacy Week runs from Sunday, August 30 through Friday, September 4. This annual observance is a crucial time for fundraising and awareness in Australia.

How many families does Legacy Australia support?

Legacy Australia currently supports approximately 43,000 beneficiaries across Australia, including widows, children, and dependents of deceased or injured veterans. This extensive network provides vital care.

How much does Legacy Week raise?

Legacy Week aims to raise millions of dollars annually to fund its extensive support services. While specific figures vary, the public’s generosity ensures ongoing assistance for defense families.

What is the difference between Legacy and the RSL?

Legacy focuses specifically on supporting the families (widows, children, dependents) of deceased or injured veterans, providing direct care and financial aid. The RSL (Returned and Services League) primarily advocates for the welfare of all veterans and serving personnel, offering broader support and community connections.

How to Observe Legacy Week

Meet a veteran
Understanding the condition of soldiers during a war is very important. Use this day to meet a veteran and help him raise funds for Legacy week all the while learning from his experience.
Help a child
This day is all about helping the victims of war. Try to find a child and support his education however possible for you.
Create a service group
Create a group of friends who are into social services. Collect the data of dependents of soldiers, in your area, who died during duty. Raise a fund for such

5 Facts About World War II Deaths

Soviet death rates
Only 20% of the men born in the Soviet Union in 1923 survived the Second World War.
There were boats of death
Three out of every four men serving on U-boats never survived the war.
Animal deaths
The first bomb raid in Berlin killed the only elephant baby in the Berlin Zoo.
Nukes to Tokyo
The third atomic bomb, if necessary, would have been dropped in Tokyo.
Crewmen deaths
Over 100,000 crewmen of Allied bombers were killed over Europe.

Why Legacy Week is Important

A week to help our heroes
Soldiers are national heroes who sacrificed their lives for the nation. We love to spend a week helping their families have better life.
Understand the stories of war
The new generation knows little about the plights of wars. This week can help shed some light on the sorrows and destruction caused by wars.
Create new bonds
By helping someone we do not know, we get a chance to connect with them and understand their life. New bonds are formed and that is beautiful.