A hard-working 88-year-old Army veteran is about to receive an unbelievable gift.
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Ed Bambas, who works full-time as a cashier at the Meijer in Brighton, Michigan, says he didn't have enough income to support himself because he lost his pension over a decade ago.
"I retired from General Motors in '99," he said in a video. "In 2012, they went bankrupt, and they took my pension away from me."
Thanks to the efforts of the Australian influencer Samuel Weidenhofer, Bambas has experienced a whole new level of kindness.
What Happened to Veteran Ed Bambas?
When speaking with Weidenhofer, Bombas said he was living comfortably in his retirement until his wife, Joan, became ill around the same time his retirement was taken away. He had to sell his home and property to pay the medical bills.
"The thing that hurt me the most was when my wife was really sick, and when they took the pension, they also took the health care coverage and all but $10,000 of my life insurance," Bambas said.
After losing his beloved wife of over 50 years, grief and financial trouble forced Bambas behind the register at Meijer, doing his best to carry on each day.
"It wasn't hard for me to do it because I knew I had to do it," he told WXYZ-TV. "I'm fortunate God gave me a good enough body to be strong enough to stand there for eight, eight and a half hours a day."
After hearing his story, Weidenhofer gave Bambas a $400 tip, moving him to tears. However, this act of generosity was only the beginning.
People Have Rallied To Help Bambas
Weidenhofer also created a GoFundMe page to help Bambas finally retire. As of Wednesday, it has raised nearly $1.3 million.
"Despite everything, Ed shows up every day with quiet dignity, strength, and perseverance. His story is a stark reminder that too many of our seniors, especially veterans, face incredible challenges just to survive," wrote Weidenhofer.
The campaign attracted donations from a 'William Ackman,' a name shared with hedge fund manager Bill Ackman, as well as singer Charlie Puth.
Bambas remains unaware of the overwhelming generosity pouring in through the GoFundMe. Weidenhofer is keeping it as a beautiful surprise. For now, Ed keeps pressing forward, unaware of the outpouring of love awaiting him.
Bambas told WXYZ-TV, "I just try to be myself, with one exception. I think my wife sits on my shoulder and helps me do the right thing. I try very hard to go to her gravesite every day and say hi... It helps me get through my day — it really does."
