Ed Bambas doesn’t know he’s become an Internet sensation, but he’s about to find out just how much his story has resonated on social media.
The 88-year-old veteran working a full-time job at a Michigan grocery store is now at the center of a social media movement aiming to help him retire, with more than $1.2 million raised as of Wednesday.
In a post from Australian influencer Samuel Weidenhofer, Bambas explained that he retired as a salaried employee from General Motors in 1999, but lost his pension due to the company’s bankruptcy measures in 2012.
That year, the Old General Motors offered lump-sum payments to about 42,000 retirees and their surviving beneficiaries as they aimed to cut 24 percent from their U.S. pension obligation, NBC News reported at the time. NBC Chicago has not been able to confirm if Bambas was a part of those offerings.
Still, Bambas said his retirement quickly changed when his wife fell ill and he became her caregiver, leading to mounting medical bills.
“I sold my house, sold the property I had, and we made it through,” Bambas said through tears in the now-viral video. “My wife died seven years ago. Since then I’ve been trying to re-establish myself.”
That’s why, he said, he was forced to re-enter the workforce, where he has been working five days a week, eight hours a day — even as an octogenarian.
Bambas said his dream is to “live a little, somewhat of the life I was hoping for.”
Weidenhofer, who is currently traveling the world to help make a difference for those in need, said Bambas was nominated on his page and he wanted to share Bambas’ story to raise money for his retirement. He began the donations with a $400 contribution of his own.
“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,” Weidenhofer wrote in a GoFundMe set up for Bambas. “I’m opening a fundraiser to help Ed live the life he deserves to finally give him some relief, comfort and the peace of mind that comes from knowing he can enjoy his later years without constant struggle.”
But not even Weidenhofer expected the response that would come in wake of sharing Bambas’ story.
In its first day, the fundraiser generated more than $800,000. By Wednesday, that number climbed to more than $1.2 million.
“This man is the salt of the earth. We see him every time we go into the store and he is always smiling and just the kindest soul. This makes me so happy to see him recognized and receiving the flowers he deserves and earned so very long ago,” one commenter wrote.
Bambas still doesn’t know how much money has been raised to help him, but he told local media outlets the attention has been unexpected.
Weidenhofer said the fundraiser “shattered every expectation.”
“Now, thanks to the generosity of this unbelievable community, Ed can finally stop worrying about survival. He can live the life he always dreamed of, and do so with the peace and comfort he’s earned after years of struggle,” the influencer wrote in an update Tuesday. “We did this together. This is YOUR doing, and it’s proof of the power of people coming together for something bigger than themselves.”
Meijer confirmed Bambas is an employee at their Brighton, Michigan, store, about 45 miles from Detroit.
“Ed is a beloved member of the Brighton Meijer store and has been a team member for more than five years. He has a wonderful way of connecting with customers and brings joy to the store with his warmth and his smile,” the company told NBC Chicago in a statement. “We are aware of the Social Media videos featuring Ed and the GoFundMe that has been set up to help him. We know Ed is appreciative of the outpouring of support and kindness of the many people who have contributed to his fund. We are providing Ed with no-cost financial planning assistance to help him make the most of these generous contributions and will continue to support him as a valued member of our team.”
Weidenhofer, who said he has been in contact with Bambas’ son, said he plans to surprise Bambas with the fundraised total in the coming days.
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