Bake sale for Dawson Creek firefighter injured on Highway 97 praised as ‘fantastic success’

DAWSON CREEK, B.C. — A Dawson Creek local’s bake sale to support injured firefighter Captain Brooks Gower raised over $3,600. 

Dawson Creek local – Judith McPherson – organized a bake sale on December 6th, with over 22 bakers coming together to help support Captain Gower, who suffered traumatic injuries while on duty on October 29th on Highway 97. 

Captain Gower was hit by a vehicle and he “flew” 12 to 15 feet into the air on impact, losing his boots and helmet, and had to have an eight-hour surgery to repair multiple injuries, including leg and spine fractures and a broken arm and ribs.

The money raised will go to the Dawson Creek Fire Fighters Association. 

Speaking about the bake sale, McPherson told Energeticcity.ca: “We were busy from about 10 a.m. till 3 p.m. The first two hours were packed in that little store [Poppy and Co] with people giving donations, buying baked goods and entering into the raffle draws.” 

McPherson shared that the sale started with stacks of baked goods but, within the first two hours, went down to “probably down to a quarter of what was donated.” 

Talking about how much was raised during the sale, she said: “We raised, between the bake sale and just people donating money and everything, just over $3,600.”

McPherson shared Captain Brooks and his wife Tryna’s reaction to the bake sale. She said: “They were in awe of how the community has stepped up.”

To the Dawson Creek community, McPherson said: “I would just like to thank each and every person that came in that door, that bought baked goods, that donated money on top of what the charge for the baked goods was. 

“It was a completely feel-good moment for the entire community and especially myself and Danny Knox, who put it all together.” 

Captain Brooks Gower recently had another operation on December 10th, as one of his bones did not set properly, Tryna reported on her Facebook. 

To donate, email dcffcharitablesociety@gmail.com with “Capt Gower” in the note line.