An 88-year-old worked 5 days a week at a supermarket. Then strangers raised almost $2 million so he could finally retire.
In a heartwarming story that highlights the kindness of strangers and the challenges faced by older Americans, an 88-year-old supermarket worker named Ed Bambas is on track to enjoy a well-deserved retirement thanks to a GoFundMe campaign initiated by content creator Samuel Weidenhofer. The fundraiser was launched to provide Bambas with financial relief after he was forced to return to work following the loss of his pension when General Motors went bankrupt in 2009. Despite having retired from the automotive giant in 1999, Bambas found himself working full-time at a Detroit supermarket, clocking in five days a week for eight hours each day, just to make ends meet. With the economic pressures that many older Americans face today, including rising living costs and insufficient retirement savings, Bambas’s story resonates with countless others in similar situations.
Weidenhofer, who boasts a massive following of 12 million across social media platforms, set a goal of $1 million for the fundraiser, which quickly surpassed expectations, amassing nearly $2 million in less than a week. Over 65,000 generous individuals contributed to the campaign, demonstrating the power of community support and the collective desire to help those in need. In a touching video shared on social media, Bambas expressed his gratitude, stating, “It’s something dreams are made of,” and thanking everyone who contributed to the fundraiser. This outpouring of support not only aims to provide Bambas with the comfort and peace of mind he deserves but also sheds light on the broader issue of financial insecurity among older workers. According to recent U.S. Census data, nearly 550,000 Americans aged 80 and older are still in the workforce, often driven by necessity rather than choice.
Bambas’s story is a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by many seniors today, as they navigate the complexities of retirement in an uncertain economic landscape. While some older Americans continue to work out of passion, many are compelled to do so to supplement their Social Security benefits and cover the rising costs of living. The overwhelming response to Bambas’s GoFundMe campaign not only highlights his personal struggle but also reflects a growing awareness of the financial hardships that many older citizens face. As they strive for a comfortable retirement, stories like Bambas’s encourage communities to come together and support one another, proving that compassion and generosity can make a significant difference in people’s lives.
Strangers have donated almost $2 million (and counting) to a GoFundMe to help an 88-year-old supermarket worker retire.
Illustration by Thomas Fuller/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images
A content creator set up a GoFundMe for an 88-year-old veteran working at a Detroit supermarket.
Strangers have donated almost $2 million in less than a week.
Economic uncertainty and financial pressures are prompting older Americans to delay retirement.
Before December, Ed Bambas was among the sizable swath of
older Americans still working
with retirement nowhere in sight. Then, he met content creator Samuel Weidenhofer.
Weidenhofer, who has 12 million followers across social media, set up a GoFundMe fundraiser for Bambas on Monday to help him leave his job at a Detroit supermarket and retire.
“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,” Weidenhofer wrote on GoFundMe.
The fundraiser had a $1 million goal.
As of Sunday, over 65,000 people have donated, reaching a total of almost $2 million
.
In a video shared to Weidenhofer’s social media accounts, Bambas said he’s an 88-year-old veteran who works at the supermarket five days a week, eight hours a day. Bambas said he retired from
General Motors
in 1999, but lost his pension after the company went bankrupt in 2009.
Bambas told Weidenhofer that his wife, who died seven years ago, had been sick around the time his pension stopped. Without his pension, Bambas had to re-enter the workforce.
Nearly 550,000 Americans
80 and older are still working
, according to 2023 US Census data.
As part of Business Insider’s
“80 over 80” series
, reporters interviewed nearly 200 workers over 80 — in addition to conducting surveys and receiving emails — in an effort to understand why.
While some older Americans are driven by a personal desire to work, others take on jobs to combat financial insecurity. Some
workers over 80
told Business Insider that they use their income to supplement their Social Security and other retirement payments. They fear that without the income, they can’t afford the cost of living.
Weidenhofer shared a video of Bambas receiving his GoFundMe check on Friday.
“It’s something dreams are made of,” Bambas said in the video.
Bambas also thanked everyone who donated to the fundraiser.
“I cannot express in any words how thankful I am to all the people,” he said.
Read the original article on
Business Insider
