The War Amps Key Tag service is celebrating its 75th birthday and a Richmond amputee wants to thank everyone who has helped the cause.
The service – which receives donations for the return of lost keys - provides vital support to amputees across the country, such as Richmond’s Owen Greaves, 19.
Owen was born a left arm 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.
“I’d like to thank all those who have donated to the Key Tag Service,” said Owen. “
“This support has meant that I’ve been fitted with artificial arms that give me the independence and ability to do whatever I set my mind to.”
The 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, including CHAMP.
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, so 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,” said spokesperson Rob Larman, himself a graduate of the CHAMP Program.
“Your support funds essential programs for all amputees across Canada, including children and veterans.”
For more information, or to order key tags, visit waramps.ca or call toll-free 1 800 250-3030.
