This year marks the 75th anniversary of the War Amps Key Tag Service. As this milestone year comes to an end, 20-year-old Kyle Nordick of Ste. Agathe is sharing how donations to the lost key return service have made a difference in his life.
Kyle 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.
“The War Amps has been a great support to my family and me since before I can remember,” says Kyle. “I was fitted with devices so that I can take part in various activities such as playing hockey and riding my bike. I was also fitted with a myoelectric arm which gives me the ability to open and close the hand by flexing my muscles. The War Amps has encouraged me to embrace my amputation and be the best that I can be.”
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.
