GOOD NEWS: Army vet, 88, reveals he works at supermarket after losing pension — internet rallies to raise over $1M

December 3, 2025

From the New York Post: An 88-year-old Army veteran has gone viral after the heartbreaking revelation that he works five days a week at a local grocery store to help make ends meet, sparking a wave of generosity from kindhearted shoppers who rallied to raise well over a million dollars for his retirement.

Ed Bambas, a cashier at the Meijer store in Brighton, Michigan, lost his pension 13 years ago and despite his age is now forced to work 40 hours a week — a full-time schedule — because “he doesn’t have enough income.”

“I retired from General Motors in ’99. In 2012, they went bankrupt and they took my pension away from me,” Bambas told Australian influencer Samuel Weidenhofer, according to a video posted to Instagram.

The octogenarian revealed he had been comfortable in his retirement, with a home and stable financial footing, until he was left with nothing as his beloved wife fell ill around the same time, a devastating gut-punch that drove him back to work.

In the video, Bambas said his pension was taken around the same time his wife became sick, and he had to sell his home and property just to pay off the medical bills.

In an unusual turn of events, a social media influencer from Australia, Samuel Weidenhofer, heard about Bambas and booked a flight to Michigan. Weidenhofer teamed up with Detroit-based influencer Mike McKinstry, and the two walked all over the Meijer store until they finally ran into Bambas at the checkout where he was working.

Weidenhofer intereviewed Bambas, then posted the video on Instagram. He also set up a GoFundMe account to “help Ed live the life he deserves.”

In the GoFundMe description, Weidenhofer wrote:

Ed fought for his country, he worked his whole life, and now it’s our turn to fight for him. If you’ve ever been moved by someone’s courage, if you believe our elders and veterans deserve dignity, please consider contributing. Even sharing this story can help us reach more people who want to make a difference.

Let’s show Ed that the same bravery and commitment he gave to his country and community does not go unnoticed. ❤️

As of this report, the GoFundMe account has grown to over $1.3 million, from over 46,000 donations. The top donation is $10,000 from William Ackman, which is presumed to be the American billionaire hedge fund manager, although this is not confirmed.

WATCH the touching video below: