A Westlock CHAMP has been recognized by the Town of Westlock for her outstanding volunteer contributions.
At their Sept. 26 meeting Town of Westlock councillors honoured Sawyer Dutka with a certificate in recognition of her volunteer efforts as part of the War Amps Child Amputee Program (CHAMP).
Born a left-arm amputee, Dutka has been a member of the CHAMP program since her youth and she has conducted numerous local workshops and seminars to help educate the community.
“On behalf of council and area residents, it’s my privilege to commend you on your volunteerism and role modeling for many young amputees,” said deputy mayor John Shoemaker.
“Your positive attitude and leadership is an inspiration to us all.”
Dutka, 17, said she was pleased to receive the accolade, but expressed gratitude to the community for its continued support.
“I feel grateful for all the opportunities that I’ve been given, including this recognition,” she said.
“The community has always been so supportive with anything that I’ve needed or just to have the opportunity to do so many things like presentations and share my passion for CHAMP and just be able to share this important part of my life with other people.”
Dutka said among the presentations she has conducted include at St. Mary School where she attends high school, the 4-H Golden Sunset Club and at the Westlock Continuing Care Centre.
Through CHAMP Dutka says she’s been able to help out other child amputees, as well as share her experiences with the community.
“I love it. It’s a big part of my life and I like being able to share my message and share the positivity that comes with being in the CAMP program,” Dutka said.
“I love going to seminars. It’s wonderful being able to go there and meet other kids that are facing the same challenges that you are and in a positive way, being able to overcome those challenges.”
She said the seminars provided through CHAMP have really helped her, and in turn helped her help others.
“I was pretty young and I was having trouble tying my shoes so I went to a seminar one year and one of the leaders taught me how to tie my shoes and with his guidance I was able to learn pretty quickly,” she said.
“The next seminar I attended where I was junior counselor, I helped to teach another little girl. That was a really cool moment because it was coming full circle from being helped to being a role model.
“It’s simply a difference and not a disability.”
