Key chains by war veterans returning for the 2026 campaign

Key chains by war veterans returning for the 2026 campaign

The War Amps has launched its 2026 annual keychain campaign, marking the 80th anniversary of this well-known service across the country. Kits are currently being mailed to millions of Canadians, including residents of the Pontiac.

Created in 1946 by amputee veterans, the program aims to safeguard citizens’ keys while supporting programs that assist people with amputations. Each keychain tag has a confidential number linked to the owner’s address. If keys are lost, the person who finds them can call the number provided or drop the keychain in a mailbox anywhere in Canada so that it can be returned to the owner free of charge.

Since its creation, the service has helped return more than 1.5 million lost sets of keys to their owners across the country. Maxime Pelletier is a network specialist and spokesperson for the War Amps. He provides details about the keychain tag program:

“On each key tag is written a unique 9 digit code. When the keys are lost and found, the finder can either call the number or drop the keys in a mailbox to send the keychain to The War Amps. They will then contact the person the keychain belongs to and return them. Getting new keys is expensive, so this is a service to the community from the program.”

The keychain service is free for Canadians, but donations sent along with the keychains help fund several of the organization’s programs, including financial assistance for prosthetics and support for people with amputations. The association notes that it does not receive government grants and therefore relies heavily on public generosity.

Every year, the campaign reminds people that by simply attaching a keychain tag to their keys, they can both protect their keys and help improve the lives of amputees in Canada.

The full interview with Maxime Pelletier, conducted by Nathalie Vasiloff, is right here.