Celebrating 50 years of empowering child amputees!

CHAMP History Milestones
1975-2025

• 1975

  The CHAMP Program begins

  With the needs of War Amps members met, amputee veterans turned their attention to helping child amputees and created the CHAMP Program to ensure children received the artificial limbs and support they needed. It was built on their motto, “It’s what’s left that counts!” and the Winner’s Circle philosophy, which encourages Champs to develop a positive approach to challenges.

  

• 1976

  Karl Hilzinger appointed sports consultant to CHAMP

  Karl “Karlo” Hilzinger lost both his legs above the knee in a car accident in 1964. He was an athlete who played in the Canadian Football League (CFL) for 10 years and enjoyed skiing and golfing in the off-season. In 1976, Karl joined The War Amps as a sports consultant. In the spirit of “amputees helping amputees,” Karl shared his love of sports with Champs across Canada by attending CHAMP seminars and leading golf and ski clinics. One such clinic is featured in the film Downhill: Any Way You Can, which documents Karl teaching a group of young Champs how to ski at Mont-Tremblant. 

  

• 1978

  The “kids-to-kids” PLAYSAFE Program is started

  With an increase in children enrolling in the CHAMP Program because of accidents while at play, the PLAYSAFE Program was created with a unique “kids-to-kids” approach to child safety. By giving school presentations, hosting displays, taking part in events and participating in public service announcements on TV, Champs warn other children to spot the danger before they play.

  

• 1981

  The first CHAMP Seminar is held

  The first CHAMP Seminar was held in Burlington, Ontario, in May 1981, and featured sessions such as parent counselling, a prosthetic clinic and time for children to play and learn with other Champs. As seminars grew from a national event to multiple regional ones each year, a tradition of older Champs mentoring younger Champs was established. To this day, seminars continue to bring families together from across the country.

  

• 1981

  PAYLAW Program is introduced

  PAYLAW was created to give legal information and support to CHAMP families whose children had been wrongfully injured and where there was a possibility of a damage claim. Over the years, the PAYLAW Program provided CHAMP families with valuable information on their rights, and their lawyers with statistical information to aid in the successful outcome of their cases. The PAYLAW Program was eventually combined into the more comprehensive Advocacy Program that exists today.

  

• 1984

  The Matching Mothers Program begins

  The Matching Mothers Program was introduced after a CHAMP mother told CEO Cliff Chadderton that, upon learning of her child’s amputation, she could have benefited from the advice of another mother who had gone through the same experience. The program brings together families so new Champs and their parents receive support, information and a positive glimpse into the future.

• 1991

  JUMPSTART focuses on the needs of children with multiple amputations

  In the early '90s, The War Amps recognized home computers as “the great equalizer” for children with multiple or high-level amputations. As such, the Association began offering funding toward computers and assistive technology for these children through a new initiative called JUMPSTART. Educational tools, computers and printers helped multiple amputees keep up with their schoolwork and improved future job prospects and independence later in life.

  

• 1991

  Champs start passing on the message of remembrance through Operation Legacy

  The success of the NEVER AGAIN! video series, which was created to dispel the myths of Hollywood films that glorify war, inspired a new program called Operation Legacy, in which Champs carry on war amputees’ message of the horrors of war to future generations.

  As well as taking part in wreath layings, candlelight ceremonies and other commemorative events, Champs educate the public through presentations and displays, and by submitting letters to local and national newspapers.

  

• 2014

  Advocacy Program is launched

  After many years of The War Amps taking on important battles in support of amputees and our veterans, the Advocacy Program was created to give a voice to all amputees in Canada. Through Advocacy, The War Amps helps individual amputees who have encountered discrimination or red tape in accessing important financial benefits and/or legal rights. We also identify and address gaps in areas such as insufficient prosthetic coverage, insurance (both public health care and private insurance), legal and human rights issues, and government benefits.

  

• 2021

  Champs connect through virtual get‑togethers

  The War Amps started offering Canada-wide virtual sessions for Champs and their families. These virtual get‑togethers included regional meetups and informational sessions that covered a broad range of topics, including specific amputation-level tips and tricks, starting school, teen issues, information for new families and more.

  

• 2023

  (Re)Connect events kick off

  (Re)Connect events were introduced to bring smaller groups of CHAMP families together, providing peer support. These events were designed as an opportunity for Champs to meet other amputees “just like me” in their region, share experiences, and learn more about The War Amps and how we help.

  

• 2025

  CHAMP celebrates its 50th anniversary!

  In 2025, The War Amps marked 50 years of helping child amputees and their families through the CHAMP Program. Started in 1975 by the amputee veterans who founded The War Amps, the CHAMP Program encourages Champs to accept their amputations and develop a positive approach to challenges.

  “I would not be the person I am today without the support of War Amps donors. My artificial legs are expensive and are not fully covered by provincial or private insurance. The War Amps covers the remaining cost, so I can have the limbs I need to play hockey, go kayaking and so much more.” Gabriel