Canes for vets

Eddy Smiles · #11 03-07-2007, 07:43 PM

I agree with Lynn. I retired from the VA and I can vouch that liability is high on their list of concerns. They get enough bad publicity as it is and will most likely have their hands full with the fall out from the Walter Reed fiasco. But TUKLONITA may be on to something. Although I doubt that any of the service organizations will likewise want to take on the liability of distributing private source canes, they very well might be willing to provide some advertising, P.R. and leads for those with a need. I'd suggest that anyone interested in pursuing this contact their DAV, VFW, VVA, etc., post commanders and see what they say.

Also, those that I have already made canes for have told me that the reason that they wanted a handmade cane is that having to use a cane is tough enough and walking around with a bent wood stick or a cold piece of metal only makes its harder. Not only is a handmade cane unique and a conversation piece but it takes a lot of the stigmatism out of having to use one. One fellow who was fighting cancer went down for his chemo appointment at the VA and was complimented and talked to by everyone he met. When he shared this with me he was all smiles. Now if that's not a morale builder nothing is!

stickman · #12 03-08-2007, 09:37 AM

This is such a cool idea I can't wait to make one and give it away ,after all they gave away more than I can imagine . MIke

Coffeeman · #13 03-08-2007, 08:04 PM

Bob, Our club here in Buffalo (Southtowns Woodcarvers) has been working on "Eagle Head" canes too. We have 17 completed and another 20 in the works, and this coming month we're scheduled to give them out in a special presentation. Because of the liability issue, we're classifing them as "ceremonial" canes (not personal use canes) in appreciation to our VETS.

Bill

Eddy Smiles · #14 03-08-2007, 08:22 PM

Coffeeman... That's fanstastic! What organization are you going through or has your club found your own prospective recipients?

Coffeeman · #15 03-09-2007, 11:12 PM

Eddie, Its been a struggle for the project chairman, however, as luck would have it, he's been asked to bring them right to the Veterans office during a special upcoming program in early April. again, we've been emphasizing that these canes are ceremonial canes only in appreciation for their services. I'll follow up with exact information at our next meeting, in case it can help out some other clubs.

Blinky Bill · #16 03-10-2007, 06:01 AM

As an Aussie, I'm an outsider to this discussion, but was thinking what a crying shame that such a noble undertaking could be derailed by legalities......then I got to thinking about some smart looking "touristy" type canes that I saw in a shop here in Australia, all labeled "Not intended as a walking aid" guess if you bought one and used it to walk with, you did so at your own risk.....might be an idea to look at
Congatulations to all involved
John

p.s. apologies if any partial replies appear...think my 'puter is going thru' menopause..lol

Hi_Ho_Sliver · #17 03-10-2007, 06:23 AM

Not sure "not intended for a walking aid" is the right terminology....but I do know that "not intended to support full body weight" is pretty appropriate..but then not being a dirtbag lawyer type that brought all this garbage on people in the first place so they can make a few bucks LOL .....I don't know! whew, I feel better already and have only made one cane

and it didn't support my body weight !

Kenny_S · #18 03-10-2007, 10:13 AM

I have made several canes and they have supported the weight of those who have them. I am not saying I know how to make them as I just have taken many different suggestion form this board and incorperated them into making the canes. When my wife had her knee surgery, she used one and she liked it as she said it seemed sturdier than stor boughten Medical supplied ones.
It is a shame as HIHO said , dirtbag lawyers and their greed. I agree though, you must make a disclaimer saying not intended to support body weight.
Where did we go wrong in our society. I know, the antis. Not a political statement just plain facts and has been proven daily.
I support Vets getting these canes as just a small token of how we feel towards our Vets and solders. Again, they need it, tthere are way to many who do not support nor care for our military. Again, not a politcal staement, just plain hard cold truth, proven.

Eddy Smiles · #19 03-10-2007, 07:36 PM

I make T-handle woodspirit canes with regulation rubber tips. The handles are glued with a Gorilla glue or equal and and screwed with a 3" long deck screw which not only acts as the clamp for the gluing process but also as the mechanical fastener. I came up with this method by trial and error and since perfecting it I've yet to have one fail. However, with that said, there's always a first time for everything and my poor finances couldn't take the hit that might be received from some low life ambulance chasing lawyer. At craft fairs and such they sell walking sticks and canes with no warning but then again once you leave the premise how would someone track you down or even prove that you sold it to them. But if they were given out where the maker and the organization providing them were easily tracked down, that's an entirely different matter. I'm not into "legalise" either but I'd say that the more CYA you can add to the disclaimer, the better.... "Ceremonial Cane. Not intended for therapeutic use. Not intended to support body weight...etc..."

Hi_Ho_Sliver · #20 03-10-2007, 07:58 PM

The biggest problem I understand is that due to the "privacy" thing the hospitals are doing, they won't give you the names of the vets that need the canes! So I guess while I wander around the hospital when I drive the van I will see if I can find some! But by being a driver, I always run into one that rides with me now and then that could use one......may do it that way?