PRINCE GEORGE – Goodsir Nature Park is owned by Jim Good, who has been working on this land since its purchase in 1987.
Good has traveled throughout Canada collecting plant samples from every region, taking notes, and up-close habitat photographs.
Driving around Canada and the North West Territories collecting plant seeds and stories, in his 1990 pick up truck named “Big Red”.
Big Red has been Good’s lifeline, this gets him to and from town and has been a part of the history of his life for 32 years.
“It’s been wonderful. It’s taken me all over Canada. It’s been in every province and territory in the country except Nunavut because there are no roads leading there.”
Unfortunately, Good’s truck recently broke down, his family says he used his life savings to get it fixed only to be taken advantage of and left with no money and no truck. A post was made on social media by his family, and that’s when businesses like Rivers Edge stepped in.
“We have been out to Jim’s plays quite a few times with the kids, summer, and winter, and what he does over there is quite amazing and it’s just for donations,” explains Bruce Williams, owner of Rivers Edge Services. “So he puts his whole life work into something for no return. So when I {sic} seen that he needed help, I figured this is a perfect opportunity. It’s what I do so I can actually help.”
Rivers Edge quickly responded to the social media post and said they would begin work and not charge Good a dime. Soon after, several other businesses jumped on board too.
“Esslinger Motors, which is another great shop in town. They jumped on board to donate some money towards the repair. So did Hub City Motors. And then while I was doing the repair, I reached out to my buddy Shane at Northern Trans-A-Matic, and he supplied us with some of the extra parts we needed. And then also Ron’s towing offered to go and pick up Jim’s truck and throw it in because it is quite far out of town, and he had no way to get it in,” explained Williams
A kind man who opens his arms and home to everyone so he can share his knowledge of plants and records with the community has had the same gracious kindness returned.
“Bruce is going to give me a list of the businesses. I don’t know who they are yet, but I am going to personally go to each business and thank them.”
