Chris makes a difference as a Legacy Legatee

As a proud corporate partner of Legacy Australia, RPS is involved in many fundraising and support activities to help families struggling after the injury or death or a spouse or parent, during or after their defence force service.

Already this year our people have participated in fun runs, bake-offs, career mentoring programs, and more. But for some, the connection to Legacy runs just that little bit deeper. Here, we share the story of Chris Earnshaw-Nees, who has recently taken on a new role with the charity – becoming a Legatee.

Legacy calls Legatees the ‘backbone’ of its organisation. They are a family of around 4000 volunteer members who have made a personal commitment to assist the families of those who served their country.

Individually assigned to the partners and children of veterans who have lost their lives or health, Legatees help recipients connect with Legacy services, and offer general support.

As Practice Lead for RPS’ Capability Systems team in Sydney, Chris already has a busy role supporting our clients to implement information and communications systems (ICT) projects. But as someone who has his own history of defence force service, he’s passionate about supporting veterans and their families.

“I’ve been involved with Legacy for a few years, volunteering and fundraising in various capacities even prior to joining RPS,” Chris explains.

“When we became a corporate partner of Legacy last year I took on the role of State Legacy Lead which sees me coordinate a whole host of activities that RPS does with the charity in my home state of New South Wales.

“Now that my kids are grown up I have a bit more time to take on community work so getting more deeply involved and becoming a Legatee was an easy decision.”

While only a few months into his Legatee duties, Chris has already been matched with one Legacy recipient who he checks in with regularly and provides a supportive connection back to Legacy services.

“In the past, Legatees were returned servicemen and women, and while that’s true of me as well, many are quite a bit older than me. There are even Legatees who have been volunteering for more than 50 years,” says Chris.

“Legacy has built a wonderful culture of support and connection through the Legatee program and it’s great to be able to contribute to that. I look forward to helping more recipients navigate the challenges of life after service, and feel supported on the path.”

Interested in becoming a Legatee? Find out how you can volunteer on the Legacy website.

Show your support for returned service people and their families by donating to Legacy here.