An 88-year-old veteran was surprised Friday with more than $1.7 million to help him retire from his job at a Michigan supermarket.
Strangers around the world donated the money for Ed Bambas, 88, after he and his story appeared in a recent social media video by Australian social media influencer Sam Weidenhofer.
Bambas broke into tears when Weidenhofer unveiled a big check for him.
“Thank you … oh my God,” Bambas said Friday after the surprise, in video shared by ABC Detroit station WXYZ. “I wish my wife were here, but it’s something that dreams are made out of.”
Weidenhofer told WXYZ previously that he first learned about Bambas when a stranger shared his story in the comments section of one of his videos.
Bambas also spoke with WXYZ previously and explained that he had to return to work nearly a decade ago after his wife died following a long illness, and his former employer eliminated his pension.
“Once my wife died, I didn’t have enough income to pay for [my home] or all the other bills I had accumulated because of my wife’s illness,” Bambas said at that time.
Bambas said he first went to work for a hardware store and then moved to a cashier position at a Meijer grocery store, where he currently works.
In a TikTok video that has since gone viral, Bambas can be seen working his shift when Weidenhofer approaches, introduces himself, asks Bambas about his story and then surprises him with a $400 tip.
“I’d like to share your story and you know, get people to help you retire,” Weidenhofer tells Bambas in the video, which has racked up more than 10 million views since it was posted on Monday.
“Well, thank you,” an emotional Bambas says in the video as he breaks into tears.
Bambas also tells Weidenhofer that he works 40 hours per week and has a dream to, “Live a little, somewhat, of the life [he] was hoping for.”
Weidenhofer previously told WXYZ that Bambas’ story inspired him to not only fly over 9,000 miles from Australia to meet with him, but to also set up an online fundraiser to help him retire.
The fundraiser has since accrued more than $1.7 million and the money is expected to help Bambas pay off debts and retire a second time.
Weidenhofer told WXYZ previously, “No 88-year-old in America should have to work because they need to, and that breaks my heart.”
“I just wanted to give him a chance to retire,” he added. “You know, at least have some comfort.”
