88-year-old Army veteran working at grocery store receives over $1.7M in donations after viral video

More than million has been raised to help an Army veteran retire after his story went viral online and a GoFundMe drew thousands of donations from strangers Australian social media influencer Sam Weidenhofer first learned about Edmund Bambas from a comment on one of his videos Weidenhofer then worked with influencer Mike McKinstry to track the veteran down at the Meijer supermarket in Brighton Michigan where he works WXYZ Detroit broadcasted May I ask how old you are Weidenhofer asks in the video I'm years old Bambas responds TRUMP SIGNS 'MEDAL OF HONOR ACT' TO RAISE PENSIONS FOR AMERICA'S MILITARY HEROES Why do you have to keep working Weidenhofer asks Bambas who served in the U S Army in explained that he retired from General Motors in but stated everything changed when the automaker filed for bankruptcy years later I retired from General Motors in Bambas says In they went bankrupt and they took my pension away from me The veteran explained his financial situation worsened when his wife became seriously ill The thing that hurt me the bulk was my wife was real sick and when they took the pension they also took the strength care coverage and all but of my life insurance Bambas noted So I sold the house sold the property I had and we made it through HIDDEN CAUSE OF VETERANS' STRUGGLES DRIVES RENEWED URGENCY IN VA MESSAGINGBambas' wife died seven years ago and he revealed he has been trying to stay afloat ever since I work five days a week eight hours a day Bambas announced When petitioned what his dream would be the veteran answered Live somewhat the life I was hoping for In the video Bambas breaks down in tears as Weidenhofer tells him he wants to help and hands him a tip I don't know what to say Bambas responds It's going to go a long way to help me Weidenhofer later posted the video to social media and launched a GoFundMe to encouragement Bambas retirement As of Friday the fundraising event has raised over million driven by more than donations WHY AI MATTERS FOR EVERY VETERAN Despite everything Ed shows up every day with quiet dignity strength and perseverance the GoFundMe states His story is a stark reminder that too multiple of our seniors especially veterans face incredible challenges just to survive Every dollar we raise will go directly to supporting him helping with living expenses biological care and the small joys that make life meaningful A spokesperson for General Motors did not right away respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment