In 1998 my family and I were traveling in Vietnam and were struck by the number of amputees and disabled people we saw. Many of these people were disabled as children, by unexploded ordinance left over from the war.

In the city of Hue, we were approached by one of the many street vendors and saw that he had no legs. Intrigued we listened to him explain that he had been disabled by a mine when he was eight. Rather than become a beggar, as many do, he rose above his disability, married, had children and supported his family by selling books and postcards to tourists.

We were so struck by this man’s pride and integrity that, not only did we buy most of his stock, we vowed that we would find a charity that supported people in his circumstances.

Here in Canada, War Amps funds prosthetic research, promotes safe play and safe driving, and provides financial assistance to pay for prostheses. If you think kids shoes are pricey, imagine what it’s like for a family with a child outgrowing out their prosthetic every few months.

Ask yourself this question. How would you cope if you lost your hand? How hard would it be to do simple things like tie your kids shoelaces, get dressed, write a letter, groom yourself. These are all tasks undertaken every day by Canadians who have had the misfortune to lose a limb in an accident.

Every year we commit a portion of our profits to this worthy charity, and we encourage you to support them too. You’ll find them at www.waramps.ca

 
"Trey" Hue, Vietnam Our Inspiration