With an injured colleague stuck in a U.S. hospital racking up medical bills, a team of Langley firefighters held a fundraiser Sunday to "chip in" while helping locals get rid of last month's Christmas trees.
Ron Dunkley was in Seattle to watch a Seahawks football game last November when he was hit and dragged by a train. He was rushed to hospital in critical condition, suffering two broken legs, pelvic damage and massive internal injuries.
He's been recovering at the Harborview Medical Center ever since. Doctors say it will be a few more weeks before he can be safely transferred back to Canada.
Dunkley's captain Brent Morgan describes him as a "real character" who always kept his colleagues laughing. "Great guy. We really miss him," Morgan said. "We're just hoping to get him back here as quick as we can."
His friends and coworkers have been holding meat draws and selling t-shirts to help pay Dunkley's medical bills. On Sunday, they organized a tree-chipping fundraiser at a local Real Canadian Superstore on Willowbrook Dr.
They collected donations, most between $5 and $20. Every little bit helps for Dunkley, who after almost two months in hospital is estimated to owe more than $1-million.
"He did have insurance, but that was probably exhausted after a couple of weeks down there," fellow firefighter Mike Dougherty said.
Fortunately, he is on the path to recovery.
"Last time we were down there he was able to whisper a few words to us and gave us the thumbs up," Morgan said. "It was pretty good. It was nice to see."
Another tree-chipping event is planned for next Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the parking lot of the Otter Co-op at 3600 248th Street in Aldergrove, and there is a trust fund set up under Ron Dunkley's name at Coast Capital Savings.
With a report from CTV British Columbia's Shannon Paterson
