The War Amps is a Canadian nation-wide registered charitable organization founded in 1918 and operated under the direction of war amputees. Since its inception, The War Amps has had as its hallmark the unique philosophy of “amputees helping amputees.” The War Amps is able to operate its many programs for amputees solely through donations from the public to the Key Tag and Address Label Service these services include:

• Key Tag Service: a service that ensures fast delivery of your lost keys to their owner.

• Address Label Service: personalized seasonal address labels that are mailed out to War Amps donors.

• CHAMP Program: for child amputees provides financial assistance for artificial limbs.
  

• PLAYSAFE: is a safety message from child amputees to other children.
  

• DRIVESAFE: promotes safe driving to prevent injuries due to accidents.
  

• JUMPSTART: provides computer training for multiple amputee children.
  

• Matching Mothers: introduces a CHAMP family to the parents of a new amputee.
  

• The National Amputee Centre provides Canadian amputees with the latest information on artificial limbs and all aspects of amputation.
  

• PLAYSAFE Program , The War Amps produced a televised segment featuring ASTAR
  ASTAR
  ASTAR is a fictional golden humanoid robot. The character was created in the 1980s by the Canadian amputee organization The War Amps and is featured in material for their PLAYSAFE program to educate children about safety....
  
  , the humanoid robot from Planet Danger.
  

The Beginning

Founded by national charter in 1920 as The Amputations Association of The Great War, a fraternal society was envisioned that would be able to provide direction for its members while also seeing to their needs. Counselling, self-help and practical assistance were emphasized. The organization's first President was Lieutenant Colonel Sidney Lambert, an Army Padre who had lost his leg in action in France during the First World War. He saw the need for an organization that would assist amputees. During his tenure, he laid the groundwork for each ensuing generation of amputees and shaped the philosophy that, with courage and determination, amputees could succeed in life.

It was during his stay in Toronto's old College Street Veteran's Hospital that he first conceived of the idea of a national association to help solve the problems of all "men and women who have lost a limb or limbs or complete eyesight whilst giving their service to Canada, the British Empire, and the Allies in the Great War." He helped galvanize his comrades in the early years. Later, he spearheaded a drive to set up a sheltered workshop where war amputees could work for competitive wages, while providing a service that would generate funds for the organization. The name of the Association was changed to The War Amputations of Canada, and as disabled veterans returned from the Second World War, the organization provided information, fellowship and employment opportunities to all of its members.

Key Tag Service

In 1946 the Key Tag Service was launched as a means of providing employment for war amputees. Since then, the service has grown into a computerized program that has returned more than a million sets of lost keys to their owners, but always is dedicated to providing employment for Canadian amputees and people with other disabilities. The Civilian Liaison Program began in 1953 in order that war amputees could share their knowledge with others who are missing limbs from causes other than war. Later, the program was divided into two, one for adults and a separate program for children. H. Clifford Chadderton, who lost his right leg during the Second World War, became the Chief Executive Officer of the organization in 1965. The War Amps had been there to assist him in rebuilding his life as an amputee, and, in return, for more than 40 years, he has tirelessly served the needs of Canadian amputees, both young and old.

Address Label Service

The Address Label Service was introduced in 1972 to provide year-round employment for the disabled staff at the Key Tag Service. With Chadderton at the helm, the organization grew dramatically and has become known around the world for its innovative programs and ideas.

Champ Program

Realizing that war amputees were being well served by existing programs and that in the future their needs would decrease, he turned the organization's attention to child amputees and in 1975 started the Child Amputee (CHAMP) Program. The program is as unique as the children enrolled in it. The organization tries to reach all amputee children and their families as soon after an amputation as possible, providing artificial limbs, education and counselling to help the children cope with their amputations.

PLAYSAFE

The War Amps has many other programs. PLAYSAFE, started in 1978, is a project aimed at cautioning Canadian youngsters of the dangers while at play. It is a kids-to-kids approach to child safety awareness.

SAFETY WALK

The organization's SAFETY WALK Program, started in 1986, encourages parents to take their children on a walk to inspect potentially dangerous sites in their neighbourhood.

DRIVESAFE

DRIVESAFE was developed in 1987 to promote safe driving and to prevent serious injuries due to accidents.

Matching Mothers

Matching Mothers, initiated in 1984, matches parents whose children have similar amputations from similar causes for support, counselling and information.

JUMPSTART

JUMPSTART, created in 1991, focuses on the benefits of computers and early computer training, with the ultimate goal being future employment and independence for children missing multiple limbs. The Association also provides financial assistance for artificial limbs and specialty limbs and devices not covered by government or private health plans.

The NEVER AGAIN! Program

In 1985, The War Amps embarked upon an exciting project called NEVER AGAIN!, which was inspired by Cliff Chadderton after several commemorative visits to military cemeteries around the world. Our award-winning Military Heritage series has gained wide acceptance and popularity among people, young and old.

Operation Legacy

A program called Operation Legacy was developed in 1991 in which members and graduates of the CHAMP Program help to pass the NEVER AGAIN! message from war amputee veterans to younger generations.

The National Amputee Centre

The National Amputee Centre, formed in 1999, serves Canadian amputees with the latest information on artificial limbs and all aspects of amputation. The organization is laying the groundwork for the time when war amputees will no longer be able to run the affairs of the Association. For many years to come, The War Amps will continue to provide many valuable services to its amputee members and to the Canadian public.