With an area that’s slightly smaller than Belgium, Legacy House Wagga certainly have their work cut out for them when it comes to raising funds to support families.

Legacy is a voluntary charitable organisation and receives no government funding.

All funding comes from donations, bequests and sales of merchandise.

The Wagga club is one of 49 across Australia and the administration centre for the seven groups throughout the region which extends over 25,000 square kilometres.

The area extends from Adelong, Batlow, Gundagai and Tumut to Deniliquin (Finley, Berrigan and Jerilderie) while incorporating Cootamundra, Junee, Temora, Tumbarumba, Yerong Creek, Lockhart, Narrandera, Young and Harden.

All funds raised in the Wagga region stay local and are used to support local families.

“All funds raised locally stay local,” Legatee Deidre Tome said.

Legatees make up the voluntary workforce of Legacy.

“Legatees ensure Legacy's promise to care for the families of deceased veterans is kept by assisting the widows and their families,” Deidre said.

There are 174 Legatees assisting more than 650 dependants including spouses, special needs adults, children of veterans and current service personnel who have given their health.

The majority are elderly widows but increasingly younger families need assistance.

There are currently 23 children supported by the club.

Just some examples of the support provided includes winter heating allowances, youth development programs, transport assistance and personal alarms systems for disadvantaged and isolated dependents.

Legacy was founded in September 1923 and today provides services to Australian families suffering after the injury or death of a spouse or parent, during or after their defence force service.

Support and services are now extend to include the dependants of current members of the Australian Defence Force who lose their lives or health as a result of military service.

Legacy currently cares for around 60,000 beneficiaries Australia wide.