The War Amps celebrates 50 years of empowering child amputees

Since birth, Ferron-Bouius has benefited from the support of The War Amps Child Amputee (CHAMP) Program thanks to donations from the public. SUPPLIED

The War Amps celebrates 50 years of empowering child amputees This year, The War Amps is marking 50 years of its Child Amputee (CHAMP) Program, which provides life-changing support to young amputees and their families across the country.

Gabriel Ferron-Bouius, 21, is a right leg amputee who grew up with the support of the CHAMP Program since he was born, including financial assistance for artificial limbs, peer connections through CHAMP events and more.

“I had never met anyone else who was an amputee until my first CHAMP Seminar. There, I met older Champs that I could look up to and who showed me that my amputation didn’t have to limit what I could do. I learned to walk by watching Champs like me and learned all about life as an amputee,” Ferron-Bouius says. “Now that I’m older, I get to pass this knowledge along to the younger Champs I meet. I would not be the person I am today without the support of War Amps donors.”

The CHAMP Program was created in 1975 by veteran War Amps members who recognized their knowledge and experience could benefit children across Canada living with an amputation. CHAMP serves children under 18 in Canada who are born with a limb difference or who have lost a limb due to an accident or medical causes. The legacy of “amputees helping amputees” remains a hallmark of the program, as regional seminars and other CHAMP events are often the first occasions where child amputees and their families meet other amputees and parents who have “been there.”

As an organization funded by public donations, The War Amps offers many ways to give to keep the legacy of CHAMP and its other programs for amputees going strong. The War Amps encourages individuals to consider making a charitable estate donation or other planned gift to help improve the quality of life for amputees across Canada for years to come.

For more information about how to make a life-changing difference for amputees with a planned gift, please contact estatedonation@waramps.ca or call 1 800 465-2677.

To view this report on The Globe's website, visit globeandmail.com

To view the full report as it appeared in The Globe's print edition Estate planning and legacy giving