RememBEARance campaign to honour families this Anzac Day

This Anzac Day, Defence Families of Australia (DFA) is working with Legacy Australia and marketing partner RSL Australia to recognise and honour the strength, sacrifice and service of Defence families.

As part of the RememBEARance campaign, those attending Anzac Day commemoration events are encouraged to lay a small teddy bear beside their wreath to acknowledge veterans, current serving members and their families.

DFA has purchased Legacy Bears for its employees to lay with a poppy remembrance wreath at Anzac Day Ceremonies around Australia.

If the public choose to lay a Legacy Bear, they will also be helping raise funds for Legacy Australia to support the families of veterans, reducing instances of financial or social hardship.

Legacy Australia Chairman Legatee Eric Easterbrook said that this was an easy initiative to support but has a big impact in commemorating our veterans and their families.

“Laying a teddy, such as the Legacy Bear, with a wreath is a beautiful symbol to help commemorate the sacrifices that our military families make for our country.”

RSL Australia is supportive of placing a tribute bear at commemorative services on Anzac Day where possible in support of Defence families.

This partnership between Legacy, RSL and DFA is an example of a positive collaboration between agencies which support and pay respect to veterans, current serving members and their families.

“Families are essential to supporting a stronger Australian Defence Force,” said Mrs Laaksonen-Sherrin.

“Our Defence capability thrives when families are valued and supported during and following their military service.

“We hope this campaign will give Defence and veteran families the recognition they deserve, but don’t always get, for their secondhand service to our nation by supporting their ADF member.”

Legacy Bears can be purchased online through www.legacyshop.com.au or by contacting your local Legacy Club via www.legacy.com.au/clubs

About Legacy Australia

As one of Australia’s oldest and most iconic charities, Legacy supports 43,000 families of Australian Defence Force personnel who have given their lives or their health in service to their country. Legacy is dedicated to enhancing the lives and opportunities of our families through innovative and practical assistance, aimed at protecting individuals and families’ basic needs, advocating for their entitlements, rights and benefits, assisting families through bereavement and helping people thrive, despite their adversity and loss.

About Defence Families of Australia

Established in 1986, Defence Families of Australia (DFA) is the official group representing the interests of families of current serving ADF members. As the official families advisory body to the Minister for Defence Personnel and Chief of the Defence Force, we advocate for ongoing improvement in policy and practice. Our team are located all across Australia, and are family of current serving Defence members. Our advocacy drives change to decrease the negative aspects, and to support the positive aspects of Defence life.

About RSL

The Returned & Services League of Australia (RSL Australia) was formed in 1916 in response to the lack of a unified approach to the organisation of repatriation facilities and medical services for those returning from the Great War. Since its formation, RSL Australia has evolved into the nation’s largest Ex-Service Organisation, operating through a federated structure of State and Territory Branches and 1,135 Sub-Branches, and representing approximately 150,000 members.

Legatee Eric Easterbrook, Chairman Legacy Australia (left) and Graham Boyd, CEO Legacy Australia (middle) and Sandi Laaksonen-Sherrin, Defence Family Advocate of Australia with Jack.