Mississauga amputee helps War Amps celebrate 75 years of key tag program

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Published August 3, 2021 at 8:01 pm

jamey_irwin_-_collage

The War Amps Key Tag Service is celebrating 75 years of returning lost keys to their owners and delivering vital support to amputees across Canada, including Mississauga’s Jamey Irwin.

Irwin, 23, who was born a partial right hand 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, said War Amps has always been a big part of her life.

 “I have attended CHAMP seminars where I meet other kids who were just like me. I have also learned to be proud of my amputation and to know that it won’t hold me back,” she said. “Thank you to all those who have donated to the Key Tag Service because your support makes a difference in the lives of amputees.” 

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,” said 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. 

(Photo: Mississauga’s Jamey Irwin became an ambassador for the CHAMP program when she was a youngster and still promotes the program today)

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