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Donations Top $1.7 Million for 88-Year-Old Veteran Working at Michigan Grocery Store

A viral appeal set out to help the Michigan grocery cashier retire after his GM pension vanished in the 2009 bankruptcy.

Overview

  • The GoFundMe for Ed Bambas surpassed $1.7 million by Friday, according to multiple outlets.
  • Influencer Sam Weidenhofer filmed a brief exchange asking Bambas “What’s your dream?” before launching the online fundraiser.
  • Bambas worked 40 years at General Motors and says the company’s 2009 bankruptcy wiped out his pension.
  • Following his wife’s illness and death, he took a job at a Meijer store and has been working full-time to pay bills.
  • Local reporting says he will receive a check for more than $1 million, and Bambas says the moment taught him to be polite to people.