Legatee Dianne Radford said the majority of their funds usually come from selling badges out in the community, but this year residents can donate online to help support war widows across the region.

"Normally Woolworths and IGA let us sell badges there, but because of the coronavirus we can't do any face-to-face selling or collecting," she said.

"A number of businesses in town are going to help us raise a few extra funds and they will have donation tins."

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Ararat Legacy, which encompasses Stawell, Beaufort, Avoca, Willaura and Ararat has relied on the local communities support to the annual Badge Week which would have been held from August 30 to September 5.

"We look after 110 widows and provide services like home care visits, welfare support and social outings," Mrs Radford said.

"Legacy has been looking after the dependents of departed war veterans in Ararat since 1929.

"We looked after the mothers and their children post-war, and now we look after the widows.

"During COVID-19 we haven't been able to visit them as much as we want to, but we are ringing them to make sure they are okay and provide them with financial assistance.

"They also get a taxi card which will help them get to their medical appointments."

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Club president legatee Garry Hutton said it was disappointing the club would not be conducting the annual face-to-face badge selling.

"These funds are our mainstay to supporting those dependents in our care. A good example has been our recent $200 Winter Subsidy to all our widows living independently which was so extremely well received," he said.

"We hope that the community will not forget us and consider perhaps making a donation via one of our Legatees ... or spare a few coins for our Legacy 'donation' tins located at supportive businesses across the region."

Badges and merchandising are available via the online merchandising shop www.legacyshop.com.au.

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