Comox Valley members of the War Amps Child Amputee (CHAMP) Program who joined the association’s PLAYSAFE/DRIVESAFE float in the Victoria Day Parade helped to mark a milestone — 65 years of key tags!
Lewis Jeon, 11, a right hand amputee, of Courtenay, and Elijah Sulz, 7, a right leg amputee, of Union Bay, along with the others, rode the float as safety ambassadors.
A special sign on the float marked the 65th anniversary of War Amps key tags.
Public support of key tags allows The War Amps to run its many programs such as CHAMP, which provides child amputees across Canada with funding for artificial limbs, regional seminars and programs like Matching Mothers.
Astar, the gold robot from Planet Danger was also front and centre, reminding kids that he can put his arm back on, but they can’t, so PLAYSAFE!
“All of the Champs who joined the float are part of our National Safety Ambassador Team,” said Rob Larman, director of PLAYSAFE/DRIVESAFE, who himself lost a leg at the age of 14 when friends dared him to jump a train. “This kids-to-kids approach gets the message across to children in a way that they can relate to and that they will remember.”
For PLAYSAFE information or resources, call 1-800-250-3030 or visit waramps.ca.
— War Amps of Canada