Two local youth have been presented with the 2020 Youth Recognition Award for their heroic actions after a horrible accident trapped their family in a rolled over vehicle.
Cariboo-Prince George MP Todd Doherty recognized Finn and Oliver Goddard on Tuesday (Feb. 9), along with representatives from the Intercultural Dialogue Institute (IDI).
This past October, the boys' mom shared the heroic story to social media and immediately caught the attention of Prince George officials and organizations.
According to Kristi Goddard, their Toyota truck was involved in a motor vehicle accident on Highway 97 just south of Hixon where it rolled over and landed on its passenger side.
She says Finn first unbuckled Oliver and got him out first before trying to open the driver’s side door, which got stuck as a result of the crash.
He was able to pry open the door and help his father out, much to the surprise of his mother.
She says Finn was able to calm her down while he and his father freed her from the vehicle.
“I still don’t know how he pushed open a truck door at that angle, but the brave little guy did,” Kristi said.
“I was in a full-on panic attack and his sweet, soft words snapped me out of it and he kept saying over and over again, ‘Mom, you can do this, you gotta get out.’ I have never met an 11-year-old that is so courageous yet calm in such a traumatic event.
“I just want to see him acknowledged for what he did. I am one proud mama.”
Doherty praised Finn and Oliver for their quick decisiveness, adding he was glad to tell their story in Ottawa.
“When others may have panicked, you were decisive," Doherty said. "You knew what to do and did it. I am so proud of both of you."
“I’m glad that I was able to tell your story in Parliament last November for Canadians to hear and to have your efforts recognized by this organization is very special."
Halil Yurtsever and Dave Ralph of the IDI also praised the two during the virtual ceremony, while the two boys had also received plaques for their heroic actions.
- with files from Kyle Balzer, PrinceGeorgeMatters
