Guardian centre partners with Legacy to support ADF families

Guardian Childcare and Education centre, Jacaranda Early Learning Centre – Underwood, has made a concerted effort to ensure that the ANZAC spirit of mateship and support, typically discussed in April and November, continues throughout the year, by initiating a partnership with Legacy. 

Legacy is an iconic Australian charity that supports over 60,000 Australian families suffering after the injury or death of a spouse of parent during or after their defence force service. 

In April 2019, Centre Manager Julie Goodall reached out to Legacy to see how the centre could support them and raise awareness of their work in the lead up to ANZAC Day.

“We got in touch with Legacy and then they sent out all their merchandise and equipment with one of their representatives. We got to chat with them directly about the importance of the charity which was really beneficial,” Ms Goodall said.

The partnership was especially meaningful to the centre, she added, because a family using the Jacaranda service are supported by Legacy, with several other families in active service positions with the Australian Defence Force (ADF).

Initially, the partnership with Legacy focused on a fundraising initiative, with educators setting up a stall in the front office where families could purchase merchandise items, donate money to the organisation or simply learn more about their work.

A service wall was established, with educators and children sharing information about their families and their service to the ADF. 

“The service wall is a reminder of how many of our families are connected to the armed forces. It includes photos, stories, information and shares where they are now. Some of them go right back to World War II,” Ms Goodall noted. 

“The armed forces are such a big part of life for so many of our families, and we look forward to continuing our partnership with Legacy,” said Ms Goodall.

For more information on Legacy, and how its work may be supported, please visit its website, here.