The City of Oakridge is passing its good fortune on to the Democratic Republic of Congo. Thursday, the City Council voted to donate an old ambulance filled with surplus medical supplies to the African nation.
Wealthy participants in ABC’s Secret Millionaire show provided more than a million dollars to the City. With those funds the Oakridge Fire Department was able to purchase a newer ambulance. An ad was placed to auction off the old one, and one bid came from local resident Dr. Ellen Heinitz. She intended to contribute the ambulance to a country where she spent a lot of time working, the Democratic Republic of Congo. Thursday, the City Council voted to donate the ambulance to the country rather than sell it. Oakridge Interim Fire Chief Tim Whittaker says this wouldn’t have been possible without the help of the Secret Millionaire Show.
Whittaker: “I just think it’s a good continuation of a story from one act of kindness from the Secret Millionaire to us. And then we can, on a smaller scale, pass it on to this organization and help a lot of people and humankind I guess. It’s just a good thing to do.”
Dr. Heinitiz was unaware of the City Council’s decision to donate the ambulance, much like residents were unaware of the activities of the Secret Millionaire Show. Funds from the group Mercy and Care International will help with the transportation of the ambulance.
copyright, 2013 KLCC