Local members of the War Amps Child Amputee Program (CHAMP) who recently joined the Association’s Playsafe/Drivesafe float in the Steveston Salmon Festival Parade helped to mark a milestone - 65 years of key tags.
Austin Balmer, 5, a right arm amputee, of Aldergrove, rode the float as a Safety Ambassador.
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 today 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