As The War Amps 2011 address labels go out across Saskatchewan, local residents may spot a familiar face in the brochure.
Jake Kahoot, six, of Yorkton, is featured in The War Amps brochure in the address label mailing to Saskatchewan households starting October 31. A right foot amputee, he is a member of The War Amps Child Amputee (CHAMP) Program and, as such, is eligible to receive financial assistance with artificial limbs, counselling and attend regional CHAMP seminars.
The brochure enclosed with the mailing explains how public support of the Address Label Service provides Champs with the artificial limbs they need to lead active lives, regional seminars to meet other child amputees and share information, and counselling based on the tradition of "amputees helping amputees."
Sent as a thank you to supporters of The War Amps Key Tag Service, address labels are not just for envelopes! They can be used to identify items like books, golf clubs, cell phones and cameras, and for filling out name and address information on forms.
The War Amps does not receive government grants. For more information, or to order address labels, call toll-free 1 800 250-3030 or visit waramps.ca.
War Amps is helping locally
Liam Yeadon, also six, of Yorkton, recently attended The War Amps 2011 Western Child Amputee (CHAMP) Seminar in Edmonton. This year is a special one, marking the 30th anniversary of CHAMP Seminars, which are held regionally across Canada.
Liam, who is missing part of his left foot, attended the three-day seminar, which dealt with all aspects of growing up as an amputee. Older Champs were Junior Counsellors at the seminar, answering questions and offering advice to the younger Champs. In one seminar session, Champs demonstrated their standard and recreational artificial limbs and devices to the group.
The seminar covered subjects of interest for all age groups, including the latest developments in artificial limbs, parenting an amputee child, dealing with teasing and bullying, learning to drive and the importance for amputees of staying active.
Seminars are life-changing events, particularly for first-time attendees. "Meeting others with exactly the same concerns, and seeing how they have overcome them, has a profound effect on how they regard their amputation," says CHAMP Director Lucie Waddell.
CHAMP and all its programs are funded solely through public support of The War Amps Key Tag and Address Label Service. For more information, call 1 800 250-3030 or visit waramps.ca.
