Local crab apples help rescued wildlife in Northern BC

A Prince George woman has started a unique project to help rescued animals in Northern BC.

Crystal Beddome began collecting crab apples to send to the Northern Lights Wildlife Society last year, but saw the amound of people contributing skyrocket this summer.

The first shipment of apples went out last week.

“By the time they weighed it in, it was probably over 1000 pounds,” says Beddome, “And we still have apples coming in. I’m still collecting.”

The apples are used to feed rescued wildlife from the north, and Northern Lights volunteer Tanja Landry says a lot of the animals are from Prince George.

“The apples are used with any animal in need at this time,” says Landry, “Last year we had 15 bears that were rescued from the Prince George area, and this winter we’re likely to get more from there as well.”

Beddome first heard the society was looking for fruit last year, but didn’t quite get the results she wanted.

“It was a little bit later in the season, probably mid-September. So I collected some, but not a whole lot. I figured I would do it again this year, and I’m starting a little bit earlier, and the support has been phenomenal.”

While Beddome is proud of the community working together once again, the Northern Lights Wildlife Society is now set for a while with plenty of fruit.

“It’s really nice to see the communities pulling together to help these animals from all across the province.”