July 1, 2013
The Community Foundation of New Jersey congratulates the Hoboken Volunteer Ambulance Corps on the debut of their new ambulance.
The Corps sustained significant damage due to Hurricane Sandy, including the destruction of an earlier ambulance and large quantities of life-saving equipment.
Upon assessing Hoboken’s critical, short-term needs following the storm, the Community Foundation of New Jersey made a $25,500 grant from its Hurricane Sandy Relief Fund to the Hoboken Volunteer Ambulance Corps. The Corps received an insurance payout due to the damage and used the grant to “fill the gap” and make the ambulance purchase a reality.
“In northern New Jersey, Hoboken was among the towns hardest hit and most in need of immediate help,” said Hans Dekker, President of the Community Foundation. “Thankfully, an outpouring of support from our existing donors and many new ones allowed us to target the necessary resources to Hoboken and other places where we could make a significant difference in the short-term.”
The grant was part of a broader effort by the Community Foundation to directly support first responders in the wake of Hurricane Sandy. Others who received grants from the Hurricane Sandy Relief Fund include organizations in Little Ferry, Moonachie, Monmouth Beach, and other municipalities.
The vehicle, a Horton Emergency Vehicle remounted on a 2011 Ford chassis, was customized by VCI Emergency Vehicle Specialists of New Jersey.
Dan Loeb, Treasurer of the Hoboken Volunteer Ambulance Corps, explained that the vehicle would be used starting in June 2013.
“The support from the Community Foundation and others allowed us to focus entirely on helping residents rather than worry about how we would replace our own equipment,” said Loeb. “It’s why we proudly included a decal recognizing the Community Foundation on the driver’s side and passenger doors. They will now be with us in a sense as we respond to calls throughout the community.”
For a video tour of the new ambulance, click here.