A War Amps public service announcement featuring a Chemainus CHAMP has captured an international award.
The War Amps 2017 PLAYSAFE public service announcement that included Darevin Curnow and B.C. Lions football players Travis Lulay and Jeremiah Johnson recently captured both Gold and Grand Awards at the Mercury Excellence Awards in New York.
“He was just thrilled about it,” dad Mark Curnow said of Darevin when he learned of the award.
“He was wondering if he got to go to New York to accept it.”
Darevin lost part of his left foot in a lawn mower accident and now encourages other children to “spot the danger” before they play. To watch the PSA, and a Behind the Scenes video, visit YouTube.com/warampsofcanada.
Darevin was recently in Vancouver for further surgery on his lower limb where the prosthetic hooks up.
“It’s all been rebuilt,” noted Mark. “He burnt it out.”
The latest surgery will provide greater stability in the lower leg to his heel. Darevin will be wearing a colourful candy cane cast for the next six weeks.
He also received a custom-made prosthetic from the War Amps this year that fits into his skate and allowed him to take power skating with the Fuller Lake Skating Club.
Darevin isn’t done yet as a TV commercial star, either.
“He’s looking forward to the next two that are coming out this spring,” Mark indicated.
One will involve a safety walk around town over crosswalks and railway tracks while the other focuses on lawn mower safety.
The War Amps is celebrating its 100th anniversary. Programs have grown over the years from assisting war amputees – whom are still being served – to all amputees, including children.
The War Amps still has much to do to ensure amputees receive the artificial limbs they need to lead independent and active lives. With the public’s continued support of the Key Tag Service, vital programs for amputees will carry on long into the future.