Listen Live

War Amps 2019 key tags being mailed out to B.C. residents

OTTAWA, ONTARIO – It’s that time of year again.

Starting this week, key tags are being delivered to mail boxes across the country as part of a key War Amps fundraiser.

As The War Amps embarks on its second century of service, the association’s 2019 key tags are being mailed to B.C. households with the theme, “Your Key Tags at Work.”

Now in its 72nd year, the Key Tag Service was launched after the Second World War 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.

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, and The War Amps will return them to you by courier, free of charge.

Cooper Bauer, a B.C. member of The War Amps Child Amputee (CHAMP) Program, showing the device he uses for swimming thanks to public support of the Key Tag Service.
Photo courtesy of The War Amps

The War Amps receives no government grants.

“With the public’s support of the Key Tag Service, the Association is making a difference in the lives of amputees by providing financial assistance for artificial limbs, peer support and information on all aspects of living with amputation,” according to a release.

“We’ve returned 1.5 million sets of keys (through the years),” said War Amps public awareness officer James Jordan.

“The people who see value in it, they might donate $10 or $20, so when we return the keys, they do come with a donation form. There’s no obligation. You already have your keys back. But a lot of people say, ‘Wow, that’s a great service, it really works, so I’ll support that.’”

Jordan said more than 90 cents on every dollar raised by the War Amps go to support child amputees such as Courtenay resident, Elijah, who is in the organization’s CHAMP program and was born missing his right leg below the knee.

The program is close to Jordan’s heart. He was born without his left arm and grew up as an amputee.

“It’s made a big difference in my life, that’s for sure,” he said. “The CHAMP program for child amputees… it’s financial assistance for artificial limbs. It changes lives, and I can tell you, I’m one of them.”

Mailing started Monday (Jan. 21) and will continue throughout the next few weeks.

Those who do not receive their key tags in the mail can order them at waramps.ca or call toll-free 1-800-250-3030.

Continue Reading

- Advertisement -

Related Articles

- Advertisement -

Latest News

B.C. steps up fight against South Asian extortion threats with new RCMP-led task force

The British Columbia RCMP will lead a specialized task force to improve the province’s response to extortion threats targeting the South Asian community. 

B.C. heat waves were made more likely by human-caused climate change, says report

Heat waves that blanketed British Columbia in August and early September were made much more likely by human-caused climate change.

Eby and cabinet ministers heading to Ottawa to promote major B.C. projects

Premier David Eby and senior cabinet members are in Ottawa for two days to meet with Prime Minister Mark Carney and promote major B.C. projects. 

Premier David Eby defends speechwriting contract with comedian

Premier David Eby is facing criticism from the Opposition Conservatives over a speech-writing contract with a comedian.

Every Child Matters March in Port Hardy September 30

Vancouver Island communities are starting to announce their plans to recognize the upcoming National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
- Advertisement -