The War Amps Key Tag Service provides vital support to amputees, including five-year-old Vanessa.
Vanessa was born missing the lower part of her left arm. As a member of The War Amps Child Amputee (CHAMP) Program, she receives financial assistance for artificial limbs and devices and also attends seminars where Champs and their parents learn about the latest in artificial limbs, dealing with teasing and staring, and parenting an amputee child.
“I attended my first CHAMP Seminar with Vanessa when she was six months old,” says her mother, Tori. “I learned a lot about artificial limbs and how they can help in so many ways. The War Amps funded her bike arm, which grips the handlebar and ensures she can sit up straight and ride safely. She also has a myoelectric arm that has a hand that opens and closes, which helps her to do activities like puzzles and colouring.”
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.
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.
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The War Amps receives no government grants and its programs are possible through public support of the Key Tag Service. For more information, or to order key tags, visit waramps.ca or call toll-free 1 800 250-3030.
Photo: Vanessa Parsons is benefitting from The War Amps Child Amputee (CHAMP) Program thanks to public support of the Key Tag Service.
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