The War Amps

The War Amps innovative programs have grown over the years from assisting war amputees – whom we still serve today – to all amputees, including children. With your support, our commitment remains: To continue improving the lives of amputees. The origins of The War Amps trace back to September 23, 1918, when the Amputation Club of British Columbia held its first meeting. It was the first of many groups of war amputees across Canada to organize and, eventually, amalgamate into a national organization. War amputee veterans envisioned a fraternal society where they could help each other adapt to their new reality and advocate for seriously disabled veterans. The founding years were a mixture of high hopes and hard work fuelled by a philosophy of “amputees helping amputees.” With a focus on practical assistance, counselling and self-reliance, the Association sought to provide direction to its members and address their needs. Formally chartered in 1920 as the Amputations Association of the Great War, the organization pledged to “bind together in the spirit of fraternity all men who have lost a limb or limbs whilst giving their service to Canada.” In its constitution, The War Amps identified a threefold purpose: to bring their case to the Canadian government; to help amputees with retraining and rehabilitation; and to explore and initiate research into the little-known world of artificial limbs.