Learn the legend: Ben Roberts-Smith helps keep the ANZAC legacy alive
THE first time Olivia Gavin met VC winner Ben Roberts-Smith she wouldn’t let him go. The five-year-old cannot remember her father Lance Cpl Luke Gavin, who was killed by a gunman in Afghanistan when she was just a baby.
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THE first time Olivia Gavin met Victoria Cross winner Ben Roberts-Smith she climbed on to his lap and wouldn’t let him go.
The five-year-old cannot remember her father Lance Corporal Luke Gavin, who was killed by a gunman in Afghanistan in 2011 when she was just a baby.
“We were filming an ad for Legacy and she was climbing him like a mountain,” mum Jacky said.
Lance Corporal Gavin’s family and the decorated war veteran were reunited at Sydney’s Victoria Barracks yesterday for the launch of a fundraising appeal spearheaded by News Corp and Westpac for Legacy Australia.
“I have been in the unfortunate position of seeing some of my close friends die during service,” Mr Roberts-Smith said.
“(They were) friends who had families, young children, and I know what Legacy means to them.”
Ms Gavin still remembers hearing about the shooting and praying Luke was not involved.
From that moment, she said, Legacy had provided invaluable support for her and children Joshua, 11, Holly, 9, and five-year-old Olivia.
Westpac Consumer Bank chief executive George Frazis yesterday announced a $500,000 donation to Legacy Australia.
“We are here to link arms and put our support behind Legacy, and ensure the ANZAC spirit and contribution is admired for generations to come,” he said.
“This year’s donation will go towards an education fund for Australian women affected by the death or illness of a family member who has served in the Australian Defence Force.”
It will go towards an education fund for women affected by the death or illness of a family member who has served.
The donation launched a fundraising appeal supported by The Courier-Mail, calling on readers to Learn the Legend of Australia’s war history and to donate to Legacy leading up to ANZAC Day.
Michael Miller, the executive chairman of News Corp Australiasia, publisher of The Courier-Mail, said the nation was “indebted to the brave men and women who have fought to protect Australia”.
“Our 2016 campaign will see us share stories of military moments from WWI to the present day that have defined our nation, and encourage Australians to donate to Legacy,” he said.
Four limited-edition 25c coins will be released exclusively to Sunday Mail readers from next Sunday as part of the Anzac to Afghanistan Official 2016 Coin Collection. The four coins are part of a 14-coin set.
FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO DONATE TO LEGACY CLICK HERE
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Originally published as Learn the legend: Ben Roberts-Smith helps keep the ANZAC legacy alive
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