Bendigo Legacy is moving on to Facebook this year as coronavirus restrictions prevent volunteers taking part in the organisations major fundraiser.
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Legacy Week is usually held in the first week of September with volunteers selling Legacy merchandise to raise funds for families of veterans.
Bendigo Legacy secretary Judi Perry said volunteers usually raise between $20,000 and $30,000.
"Normally we have selling points around the CBD," she said. "We're all volunteers who sit and sell merchandise.
"It is our only form of fundraising. All the money we raise in Bendigo stays in Bendigo.
"This year will considerably less because we can't have face-to-face contact."
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Ms Perry hopes the new Bendigo Legacy Facebook page will encourage people to donate.
"Young people tend to go by and put money in (our tins) and donate without buying anything," she said.
"Facebook is all new to us but, because of COVID and the restrictions, we thought we would try something different.
"People can also always ring Legacy and set up (a donation) through there. The merchandise will always be here for anyone who wants to buy anything. We have a huge range.
"If you call Bendigo Legacy, you can organise for (your merchandise) to be posted out or work out some way you can collect it."
Along with the disappointment of being unable to raise funds for families, Legacy volunteers will also miss the community interaction that comes with Legacy Week.
This year will considerably less because we can't have face-to-face contact.
- Judi Perry
"It's often the only face-to-face contact people have with the general public," Ms Perry said.
"Bendigo has postponed its Legacy Week but we are looking at, down the track, maybe doing it. But it is an unknown quantity (because of coronavirus restrictions)."
Ms Perry said current COVID-19 restrictions also meant volunteers were unable to visit families they usually support.
"One of the hardest things for us is that we cant' go visit our widows," she said. "They are also missing face-to-face contact with the Legatees.
"We have started sending a newsletter once a fortnight with puzzle, facts, and bits and pieces. So we are still feeling connected in some way."
For more find Bendigo Legacy Club on Facebook.
Legacy Bendigo supports the families of war veterans.
"Originally it was veterans who had passed and gave their life but now it is (to help families) of people who gave their life or health," Ms Perry said.
"It was started in 1926 but retired servicemen and has gone from there."
Chris Pedler
Chris has been with the Bendigo Advertiser for more than 10 years. He has great passion for the performing arts and is very supportive of the Bendigo live music scene. Outside of the news world Chris plays golf and, regardless of the result, loves watching St Kilda play in the AFL. He loves community theatre and has performed on stage with the Bendigo Theatre Company and worked with Baldrick himself, Tony Robinson. Story tips: chris.pedler@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Chris has been with the Bendigo Advertiser for more than 10 years. He has great passion for the performing arts and is very supportive of the Bendigo live music scene. Outside of the news world Chris plays golf and, regardless of the result, loves watching St Kilda play in the AFL. He loves community theatre and has performed on stage with the Bendigo Theatre Company and worked with Baldrick himself, Tony Robinson. Story tips: chris.pedler@austcommunitymedia.com.au
