Taree Legacy looks after 525 war widows and their dependents in the area covering Bulahdelah in the south, Johns River in the north and west to Gloucester.

And the money raised locally during Legacy Week stays in the area, to support these women and families.

Next Friday, September 7 Wingham High students will be selling merchandise on the streets. In addition a stall will be set up in Wingham Plaza for two days and also at the Chapman and Wood pharmacy.

On Friday Taree High students will be on the streets of Taree’s CBD selling badges and other merchandise. There will also be stalls at Taree Central shopping centre and near the Commonwealth Bank in Manning Street during Legacy Week.

High school students at Forster, Gloucester and Bulahdelah will also be assisting in the Legacy appeal.

Merchandise includes pins and badges, wristbands, key rings, pens and bears costing between $2 and $5000. All donations are tax deductible.

Taree Legacy looks after 220 widows and dependents in Taree, 220 in Forster-Tuncurry, more than 40 in Wingham, more than 30 in Gloucester and five in Bulahdelah, and has Legacy villages in Taree and Tuncurry.

There are 49 Legacy groups in Australia and one in London, and most are autonomous.

Locally the club provides financial support for its widows and their dependents, helping the children through school and university.

It has 71 Legatees who share a bond with the widows and children they support, often being invited to family celebrations such as weddings.

Legacy was formed nearly 100 years ago after the end of World War I, to support the wives and families of Australian men who died in service. Historically Legatees were returned servicemen but today volunteers come for all walks of life, including former Legacy children.