Plamondon amputee gives thanks to War Amps

War Amps Canada is celebrating the 75th anniversary of its Key Tag Service.

There’s no registration required. Once you receive your key tag in the mail, all you have to do is attach it to your key ring.

A service which accepts donations and provides vital support to amputees across the country.

One of those amputee’s is Amber Skyrpan of Plamondon.

Skyrpan is a right leg amputee and grew up with The War Amps Child Amputee (CHAMP) Program, which provides financial assistance for artificial limbs and adaptive devices, as well as peer support.

“The War Amps has always been there for me,” Skyrpan said. “They have helped fund my artificial legs which give me independence and allow me to take part in all kinds of activities.”

The Key Tag Service was launched in 1946 so that returning war amputee veterans could not only work for competitive wages, but also provide a service to Canadians that would generate funds for the Association’s many programs. The service continues to employ amputees and people with disabilities and has returned more than 1.5 million sets of lost keys to their owners.

Each key tag has a confidentially coded number. If you lose your keys, the finder can call the toll-free number on the back of the tag or place them in any mailbox in Canada, and The War Amps will return them to you by courier, free of charge.

The War Amps receives no government grants and its programs are possible through public support of the Key Tag and Address Label Service.

“We’d like to thank the public for helping to make this service a success,” says spokesperson Rob Larman, himself a Graduate of the CHAMP Program. “Your support funds essential programs for children, veterans and all amputees across Canada.”

CHAMP is a valuable service and has changed many lives.

“The Association ensures the sky is the limit for amputees,” Skyrpan said.

For more information, or to order key tags, visit waramps.ca or call toll-free 1 800 250-3030.

arthur@lakelandconnect.thedev.ca