An Orillia boy is feeling extra thankful ahead of Remembrance Day.
Austin Walker, 12, was born with only three fingers on his right hand. He has three fingers stuck together on his left hand and no thumb.
Walker is a life-long participant in the War Amps Child Amputee CHAMP Program.
"It helps connect people with disabilities to get to know each other," he said. "It helps us learn ways to work around it."
The CHAMP program has helped Walker navigate life with his disability and the daily challenges he faces.
The program allows Walker to access financial support for aids that he requires. It also qualifies him for tax credits and support with filing government-related documents.
The War Amps, a nonprofit organization, was established in 1918 to help veterans of the First World War who were wounded in combat.
"It started as amputees helping amputees," Walker explained. "They then saw a need to help children who were born without a limb or lost a limb."
Walker, a Monsignor Lee Catholic School Student, recently visited Veterans' Memorial Park to pay it back to those who helped found the War Amps.
Walker left some flowers at the Veterans' Park monument that honours men from Orillia who died in the First World War. He also observed a moment of silence to reflect.
"It was just a sign of saying thanks to the veterans and the people who fought in the war for us," he said.
Walker says it's important to him to honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice so that he could live peacefully in a free country.
"It gives me a sense of pride," he said.
For more information about the War Amps, click here.
