The organization began as The Amputation Club of British Columbia. However, it later became The War Amputations of Canada, eventually shortening to the War Amps. In 1978, the War Amps began its long-running children's safety campaign "PlaySafe". A 1984
public service announcement for the campaign, designed by Peter Svatech introduced Astar, a robot character created by then CEO Cliff Chadderton, who was used to demonstrate dangers that could lead to amputations. The PSA received a positive reception due to its response from youth audiences, while frequent airplay during
Saturday-morning cartoon blocks helped the spot become part of Canadian popular culture. Astar would serve as the War Amps' mascot for several decades, and a new computer animated remake of the PSA was introduced in 2000. Astar was later retired in favour of featuring youth amputees as "safety ambassadors" in future campaigns. ==Services==