The City of Prince George has officially recognized one of its most giving residents.
Jim Good, founder of Goodsir Nature Park, was officially congratulated by Mayor Lyn Hall and city council for the 30th anniversary of his park.
“Over a span of over three decades Jim has dedicated his energy, creativity and enthusiasm into cultivating and collecting over 2,000 varieties of plant life,” said Hall during last night’s council meeting (July 29).
The meeting begins with a special celebration for Jim Good for the 30th anniversary of Goodsir Nature Park 👏🏻 #CityofPG pic.twitter.com/kkJV5qHYoG
— Hanna Petersen (@hannaepeter) July 30, 2019
“Jim, your nature park is a national treasure and the City of Prince George and visitors from all over the globe benefit from all the hard work and effort that you have put into creating such a wonderful space to learn about Canadian botanical history and to enjoy the great outdoors.”
Goodsir Nature Park spans 160 acres in Salmon Valley, features a variety of plant life from around the country, two museums, a campground and is completely open to visitors for the cost of a small donation.
“Thank you for your dedication and commitment to fostering a rich, vibrant and dedicated tourist attraction and there is no question that it’s people like you, Jim, that makes our community a greater place to live,” added Hall.
Not only has Good’s selfless contribution to Prince George been recognized by the city, but the community has also stepped up to show Good just how much he is appreciated.
Good recently disclosed his serious financial troubles, and business and individuals throughout the city have crowdfunded over $9,000 to help repair his home.
Good has spent over 30 years using his own funds to maintain and run the park, and in the last few years, he has survived a quadruple heart bypass surgery, which has limited the amount of work he can do.
He’s only ever accepted small donations from visitors who’ve toured the park and funded the majority of the park’s operations through his modest janitor’s salary.
As a result, he’s been struggling with finances and has not been able to afford basic necessitates, including maintaining his own home.
Claire and Kieron Warner visited Goodsir Nature Park. After hearing about Good's circumstances, they started a GoFundMe campaign hoping to raise $10,000 to help repair things like his roof, chimney, furnace, propane and water tank.
Prince George businessman John Brink agreed to personally match the first $5,000 in donations.
“We are so close and believe in this GoFundMe for Jim Good and the community of Prince George as the money raised will ensure our hero lives the rest of his life in safety, security and peace as our host of Goodsir Nature Park,” the Warners write in a GoFundME update post, which is currently less than $1,000 away from meeting its $10,000 goal.
“Let's do this. Let's continue to wrap our financial and emotional support around Jim and hold onto to him in his hour of need.”
If you wish to contribute, you can donate online.
You can also pay a visit to Goodsir Nature Park and leave some change in the donation box. The park is located at 22825 Old Summit Lake Road North. It’s open to visitors seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
