More than $1 million raised for 88-year-old veteran who works full-time after losing pension
More than $1 million was raised for an 88-year-old military veteran named Ed Bambas. He went viral online after kind influencer Samuel Weidenhofer posted a video explaining that he still works full time.
At 88 years old, Ed Bambas isn’t living the life he always dreamed of.
Bambas, an Army veteran, told social media influencer Samuel Weidenhofer in 2012 that he lost his pension and health insurance. Around the same time, my wife became ill. He sold his house to cover the cost of her care.
Seven years after her death, Bambas said he works eight hours a day, five days a week at a Meijer store in Detroit. But thanks to some generous strangers, he was able to retire soon.
Weidenhofer, who posts emotional videos on TikTok, shared Babmas’ story on December 1st and linked to a GoFundMe in support of Babmas. The video went viral, garnering 8 million views and helping donors raise more than $1.5 million in three days to support veterans.
“This is unbelievable,” Weidenhofer wrote on Facebook on Dec. 4. “Thank you for coming together to change the life of an 88-year-old veteran. And thank you for helping shine a light on all the veterans out there, all the ‘Eds’ who are still working hard to make ends meet.”
It was a whirlwind for Bambas. In an interview with Detroit’s local ABC News station, Bambas said he tries to go to his wife’s grave every day “to say hello.”
“I think my wife is standing on my shoulders and helping me do the right thing,” Bambas said.
Influencer surprises veteran with $1.5 million
Mr. Weidenhofer said on Facebook that Mr. Weidenhofer would surprise Mr. Bambas with money on December 5.
“We are currently working with a professional trust company to ensure that everything is set up with complete safety, transparency and security,” Weidenhofer said in the post. “100% of the funds will go directly to Ed.”
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