By Pat Byington
bhamnow.com
In July 2017, Bham Now reported on the GoFundMe campaign of Donnie Goodin, aka “The Candy Man.”
One of Birmingham’s most inspirational and hardest working citizens, Donnie can be found seven days a week selling candy in front of the Western Market on Highland Avenue or beside The Fish Market near UAB. If you work downtown, you may also see him near the Chick -fil-A on 5th Avenue North.
Donnie has been selling candy on the streets of Birmingham for over 40 years. He seems to never miss a shift. And when people see him, he greets them with an infectious smile.
Because of the generosity of Birmingham residents, the GoFundMe campaign ( https://www.gofundme.com/candymanvan )has been a success, raising enough funds to purchase a new van to help transport Donnie to the many locations he sells candy. Over two years and half, the fund has gathered over $25,000 from 682 donors.
Living Expenses
Donnie still needs our help.
According to Donnie’s longtime friend and founder of the GoFundMe campaign Johnsey Ruggerio, although Donnie receives government assistance it isn’t enough to cover the almost 24/7 caregiver costs he needs. Donnie is 64, has no family in the Birmingham area and pays caregivers, by selling candy, to take care of him.
Together, all of us here in the Magic City can do our part and help Donnie continue to work and bring us all a little inspiration.
Stories He Can Tell
Calling all writers out there. Imagine selling candy around Birmingham for four decades. The stories Donnie could tell. He would love to meet a writer interested in writing a book about his life and people he has met and touched.
Send a post via the comments section of https://www.gofundme.com/candymanvan.
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