Columbia men raise funds for local EMS workers as COVID-19 pandemic continues

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

George Ubinas and Sean Moore started a gofundme page called COMO EMS Heros to raise money for emergency medical services crews at University of Missouri Hospital and Boone Hospital.

Ubinas works at University Hospital and communicated with the EMS director there about raising funds for crews at both hospitals.

"We decided as we're sitting at home, you know, with our families about what else we could do for the community from home," Ubinas said.

Moore said he received a message from Ubinas after they and their friends were talking in a group text.

"A couple hours later I get a text from George and he says, 'We got to do something. Do you have any experience with gofundme?' And I said, 'Yes,'" Moore said.

They created the website, which had only been up for one day as of Sunday, with more than $2,000 donated.

Ubinas said EMS crews are the first to show up to help people, regardless of the situation.

Moore said the fundraiser is more about showing support for crews that work a thankless job.

"It's not about the money, it's not about raising the funds as much as it is showing them that the community here cares about them and we know they're on the front line," Moore said.

He said it is even more important to show support during uncertain times, such as during the spread of COVID-19.

"This is my first pandemic, and for most of us unless you're over 100 years old it's all of our first pandemic, and we're listening to what the authorities are telling us and what the experts are telling us and there's a lot of misinformation out there and there's a lot of uncertainty," Moore said.

They set up the website so both of them have to approve any withdrawals. The EMS directors at both hospitals will ultimately decide how they want to use the money.

So far, a variety of people have donated to the fund, including teachers, bookshop owners and even other EMS workers.

The goal is currently set at $5,000.

"As we approach that I would love to double it, and double it, and double it, and double it," Moore said.

Moore said if someone wants to help but does not have the money to donate they can help by sharing the post to reach people who can.