Eight area amputees who recently joined The War Amps Playsafe and Drivesafe float in Kitchener-Waterloo’s Oktoberfest Thanksgiving Day parade were proud to help mark an important milestone – the 30th anniversary of the Playsafe program.
Kenilworth area resident Lucas Beatty, 14, was a safety walker with the float, while the others rode the float as safety ambassadors.
A special sign marked the 30th anniversary this year.
As a member of The War Amps Child Amputee (CHAMP) program, Beatty is eligible to receive financial assistance with artificial limbs, counselling and seminars, and, as part of the National Safety Ambassador Team, pass on the Playsafe message using a unique “kids-to-kids” approach.
He also passed the Drivesafe message on to adults.
Playsafe was started by War Amps chief executive officer Cliff Chadderton.
He decided to take steps to ensure children’s safety after seeing many children enrolling in CHAMP after losing limbs in accidents that could have been prevented.
Playsafe encourages kids to spot the dangers before they play, and to think about the consequences of doing something dangerous without thinking.
Playsafe uses Astar, the gold robot from the Planet Danger, reminding children that they cannot replace their limbs like he does.
“Our floats reach more than a million spectators each year across Canada and if you add that up since we started in 1978, you can see the reach and impact this message has had,” said CHAMP graduate and administrator of safety events, Kelly Rankin, who is an arm amputee.
The War Amps has also released Playsafe In Ontario (two minutes long) to TV channels across the province.
Produced by Chadderton as part of the ambassador series, video clips feature Cody Bell, 8, of Petrolia, a left leg amputee.
He lost his leg due to a lawn mower accident, and shows how he helps the association spread the safety message in Ontario.
For Playsafe information or resources, call 1 800 250-3030 or visit waramps.ca.
