Man's unique idea to help Haiti: 'Have ambulance, will travel'

January 28, 2010|By Rachel Hatzipanagos, Sun Sentinel

FORT LAUDERDALE — Six months ago, Jim Goodnow scored a deal for a used ambulance on eBay for $8,600. He figured he could rent it out to movie studios looking for stunt vehicles.

Instead, that ambulance has a new mission: to help Haiti's earthquake victims.

"I knew I had this ambulance and she could be used to rescue lives in operations," Goodnow, 70, said.


On Monday afternoon, he left the Washington, D.C., area where he had been storing the ambulance. He arrived in Fort Lauderdale on Wednesday morning, hoping to find a way to get him and the white 2003 ambulance shipped to Haiti.

Like many who have seen the television coverage of the Jan. 12 disaster, Goodnow was overwhelmed with compassion and wanted to help. Organizations he has contacted say that while they appreciate the offer, logistically speaking, the shipment would be difficult.

"His heart is in the right place, but you have to do your homework about how to get the things in the right hands for people who are in need," said Chrystian Tejedor, spokesman for the American Red Cross in South Florida. "The fastest way would be a monetary donation."

Relief agencies say they have not had to contend with many calls from people offering to send unusual items.

In past disasters, such as the 2007 tsunami that hit the South Pacific, Cross International, a Pompano Beach-based relief organization, said it received donations of thong-style underwear, a singing bass fish and high-heeled shoes, said spokeswoman Robyn Lees.

She said that an ambulance would be helpful, although most ambulances used in Haiti are outfitted to be flood-resistant and have four-wheel drive to withstand rough road conditions.

Pediatrician Liza Ayuso, of Hollywood, has tried to help by trying to find a way to donate breast milk. The nursing mother of a 16-month-old baby wants to send her breast milk to orphaned children in Haiti.

"As a mommy and a pediatrician, I always valued breast milk," Ayuso said. "It would be extremely beneficial to the mothers in Haiti."

Ayuso said she plans to contact the Human Milk Banking Association of North America to see if they have suggestions on where she can send the donation. The association has called on its website, http://www.hmbana.org/index/haiti , for mothers to donate milk so it can be sent to Haiti if needed.

Goodnow, a Fort Lauderdale native who moved to Texas several years ago, said he knows his ambulance will be useful.

"Right now, I'm saying, 'Have ambulance, will travel,' " Goodnow said.

He has at least one supporter: Joshua Colebrooke, 39, of Miami, who he met by chance at a Fort Lauderdale hotel. Colebrooke, who moved from Haiti 10 years ago, was attending a job fair and noticed the ambulance.

"I have some family there," said Colebrooke. "It's a great idea."

Goodnow said he hopes to take medical equipment along with him, if he can get any donations.

"Remember the little engine that could?" Goodnow said. "I think I can and I know we will."

Goodnow said that anyone who would like to contact him can do so on his cell phone at 432-294-3207.

Rachel Hatzipanagos can be reached at rhatzipanagos@sunsentinel.com or 954-356-4543.