By Ian Holmes

The War Amps mark 100 years of helping Canadian Amputees

Jan 21, 2018 | 9:46 AM

NANAIMO — A Canadian institution is celebrating 100 years of helping people live more active and independent lives.

War Amps public awareness officer Jamie Lunn told NanaimoNewsNOW wounded First World War veterans started the charity to help support each other during the transition to post-war life.

She said the vets realized following the Second World War most of their needs were met and switched their focus to amputees all over Canada.

“We continue to assist amputees across Canada and also child amputees as well by helping them with emotional support and financial assistance for artificial limbs.”

Lunn said the War Amps also advocates for the rights and interests of amputees across the country.

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War Amps Vancouver Island regional rep Jennah Stavroff knows all-too-well the life-changing impact the organization can have. The Qualicum Beach woman was 7-years-old when a form of bone cancer led to the removal of her left leg. She said War Amps enabled her to have an active childhood, including snowboarding and swimming.

“It was strength, integrity, support and financial assistance that the War Amps gave to my family that allowed me to grow into the person I am today.” Stavroff told NanaimoNewsNOW.

She said outfitting children with artificial limbs is costly since a new leg would have to be replaced as often as kids move up a shoe size, almost annually.

“Whether they want to take dance class and need a special limb or want to learn how to ride a bike, the War Amputees is what helps make that happen.”

Stavroff said a basic walking limb is about $12,000 and needs to be replaced every three years or so for adults.

A main fundraiser for the War Amps is its Key Tag Service, which returns 13,000 sets of lost keys to Canadians and more than 1.5 million since the program launched in 1946.

ian@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes