NEWS RELEASE
THE WAR AMPS
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This year marks the 75th anniversary of The War Amps Key Tag Service. As this milestone year comes to an end, Gavin Seeley-Baechler, 18, of Cambridge, is sharing how donations to the lost key return service have made a difference in his life.
Gavin was born a double arm amputee and, as a member of The War Amps Child Amputee (CHAMP) Program, is eligible for financial assistance for artificial limbs and adaptive devices, as well as peer support.
“The War Amps has been supporting me and my family since before I was even born, when my parents found out they were expecting an amputee child,” says Gavin. “The Association has helped with funding for prosthetics and bike adaptations which allow me to be active and independent. Their guidance and support has been fundamental to my determination and successes in life.”
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 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.
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