A Burnaby woman is helping War Amps Key Tag Service celebrate 75 years of returning lost keys to their owners.
Donations to the Key Tag Service provide support to amputees across the country, including Carla Marino, 21 - who is speaking up to help raise money for others.
Marino was born a partial left-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.
“The War Amps has played a pivotal role in my life,” Marino said in a news release. “They have been there for me every step of the way and helped me to be proud of my amputation. I know that the association has not only made a difference in my life but in the lives of amputees across the country.”
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 CHAMP. “Your support funds essential programs for children, veterans and all amputees across Canada.”
For more information, or to order key tags, visit waramps.ca or call toll-free 1 800 250-3030.
