My brothers, Brad and Jay, and I became involved with Legacy when we lost our father, a Vietnam War veteran, when we were just young children.

Legacy, a volunteer-based group which cares for children and widows of war veterans, organised camps and outings where we met others who had also lost a parent or both through similar circumstances.

When we turned 18, there was no question about becoming a volunteer for the group, and I am currently President of the Melbourne Legacy Leadership Group, a position my brother Brad had previously. The other kids on the camps were like a second family to me and I wanted to help make sure the camps kept going and that they knew they could share their grief with people who had experienced it as well.

With over 12 years of volunteer work under my belt, I would be the first to tell you that the personal rewards I get out of volunteering with Melbourne Legacy Leadership Group is far greater than anything I could give back to the organisation.

Both my brother and myself have learnt a multitude of skills through volunteering for Legacy, and we both believe the experience has positively impacted on our professional roles, such as working for Telstra for 10 years and my brother holding a senior position at National Australia Bank.

Legacy has given us so much over the years that we really wanted to make sure other young kids got the same support, and it relies on voluntary leaders to keep doing that.

This Legacy Week, Telstra is getting behind us and showing their support!

It’s as simple as a push of a button!!! All you have to do is Text “Legacy” to 044 SUPPORT (0447 877 678) and receive your Virtual Legacy Badge MMS on your mobile it’s as easy as that!

Telstra will donate $1 to Legacy Australia for each person who texts, up to $50,000. So please give generously and support Legacy Week. Your giving will go to help a lot of families.

Mei-Ling Clucas for Telstra Charity Text for Legacy

View this video on YouTube: Mei-Ling Clucas for Telstra Charity Text for Legacy

How do you feel about corporate Australia’s involvement in programs like this?

View the media release on Telstra.com