Ed Bambas the veteran – credit, Samuel Weidenhofer
Today’s Good News story comes from the Good News Network.
TikToker Crowdfunds $1.5 Million for 88-yo Army Veteran After Viral Supermarket Moment
By Andy Corbley –
In time for the holidays comes the incredible story of a stranger using GoFundMe to change a life.
Encountering 88-year-old Army Veteran Ed Bambas working at a local grocery store in Detroit, Australian content creator and TikToker Samuel Weidenhofer decided to try and raise some money to allow the man to retire.
The veteran, who lost his wife some years ago, works 8 hours a day 5 days a week after losing his pension when General Motors went bankrupt.
But Americans being one of the giv-iest breeds on the planet, the GoFundMe exploded with interest, such that, despite the moonshot goal being set at $1 million, a life-changing $1.5 million has been donated in just a few days.
A Mr. William Ackman donated $10,000 to this veteran who he never met, but it’s reflective of the overall response, both in the donations and the words of support section, where between veterans and active duty service members, and the general public at large, the message was clear: we’ve got your six.
“Every dollar we raise will go directly to supporting him: helping with living expenses, medical care, and the small joys that make life meaningful,” 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.”
Having met the fundraising goal, Weidenhofer is working around the clock to set up a bank account and trust in Bambas’ name where the money can be deposited safely and securely.
In a December 2nd update, Weidenhofer said that there is a planned surprise event for Bambas, who doesn’t know he will be able to retire with dignity after a life of hard work.
The good news in this story is how many were touched and then wanted to help Ed Bambas. Today’s JohnKu talks about generosity. I hope you have a wonderful week.
From the heart by John W. Howell © 2o25
An obvious need,
Was broadcast to many people . . .
The response was love.
I’m not sure the TicToc video will play but here it is.
Fiction Favorites 
Oh, John, too chocked for words. Xxxx Pure❤️❤️
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I agree. Thanks, Jane.❤️
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That is an amazing story John.. and thank you for sharing… it needs to be broadcast far and wide… we hear far too much about greed and corruption but this demonstrates that kindness is still alive and thriving even amongst strangers. hugsx
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I was struck by the same thought. When it counts, people rise to the occasion, giving hope to all of us. Thanks, Sally
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I wonder how many more are in the same boat. I’m thankful this man is getting some help, and recognition!
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I wondered the same, Joy. Declaring bankruptcy to avoid pension obligations should be a crime.
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That’s amazing.
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I can’t even imagine.
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I have a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes after reading this wonderful article. I’m so happy people pulled together and made this man’s retirement happen.
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It is a joyful circumstance for sure. Thanks, Kymber.
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Great story.
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I thought so, too.
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It is wonderful, John, that people contributed so much for the veteran. Thanks for sharing it.
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I agree, Tim. Thanks for the comment.
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😊
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😊
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Oh my! That is fabulous! There is a man who works in the deli section of our local Market Street here who just turned 90 and still working. They call him Woody. He says he likes working because it gets him up and moving. His is a different situation from Ed, but you gotta admire these guys!
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Yes, it seems like a different situation. Thanks for the comment, Jan
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I’m not crying, you are!
What a touching and heartwarming story, John.
Thank you so much for sharing.
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😊 Glad you liked it. Thanks, Dale.
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Very much so.
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😀
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This story gives me hope that help is still getting to the people who need it 🙂
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At least hope that if folks are aware of someone who needs help, then they will respond.
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It’s stories like this that give us hope for humanity. Thank you for sharing it, John.
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I agree, Esther.
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We are all lost without hope, and this story makes me feel we still have it in our world. Great story to highlight, John.
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I think the hope aspect is the most important. Thanks, Bruce.
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THIS is wonderful! It reminds me of the tale of stone soup… everyone comes together for the greater good, sharing whatever they have/can and something wonderful happens! (well, maybe not exactly the same)
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Yes it does remind us of the greater good. I hope everyone who donated feels the love as a result.
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I needed a Kleenex for this story. People in the US are generous. More stories please!
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This was a good one for sure. So heartwarming.
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Oh my goodness, I love posts that reveal the goodness of people. Thank you for sharing this heartwarming story, John. ❤️
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I do too, Gwen. This one has to be at the top of the heap. So many responded to someone in need.
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Hurray for everyone who stepped up for Ed! This is what it means to be a human being.
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I feel the same, Liz.
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Oh John, this moved me to tears to see his heart open so wide and the sadness of his story but his determination. He inspires me that life is unpredictable and I’m blessed to be able to work and TG I love what I do, since I need to! xxxo Thanks for sharing. ❣️
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It is a great story of determination and human kindness.
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It truly is!!!! ❣️
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😊
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“…The response was love.” Yes! We are losing more of these WWII veterans every day.
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That is for sure.
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That is a sad thing, Jo. Wishing you a peaceful weekend.
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Wow, people really came around to help him out. That is very nice. As a side note, everyone at my company Siemens lost their pensions and we lost all odf the saved time off (my manager had 800 hours, I lost 400hrs) when hard time struck. Luckily I had a good 401K. When companies break their promises some people are put in a difficult situation.
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Wow. That is very unlike a German company. Good thing you protected yourself.
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I should say that the human resource policies of Siemens in the US are very different from those in Germany. I used to work for a Swedish Robotics company, ABB Robotics. They bought the biggest American robotics company, took their stuff, and laid off most employees on the spot. Definitely illegal in Sweden, but not in the US. European companies do not do the same in the US as in Europe.
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European companies fall under more Socialist labor laws for sure.
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[…] Read this awesome post: John Howell’s Good News Story […]
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It is a lovely story, but there should be something in place for people like him, because, as some readers have said, there will be many others in their position, and it is only fair that they should be entitled to a comfortable retirement.
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I agree, Olga. You have to wonder how these kinds of situations can occur.
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This is wonderful. It’s so good to know that there are still so, so many good people in the world.
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I agree, Deborah. Thanks.
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It’s touching to know there are still kind people in this world.
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Yes it is, Andrew.
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That’s a wonderful story, John, and the JohnKu is right on.
Still, I have to wonder how that can happen in the richest country in the world?
It doesn’t seem right to pay into a retirement fund, then have it taken away. The company went broke, but people’s money should not have to go broke with it.
And health care… to lose a life’s work because you get sick?
OX
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No, it is not right to have a retirement fund taken away. I wonder where all the class action lawyers were on that one.😊X
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… retired?
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Maybe.
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How does that happen?! Unacceptable. Or it should be anyway.
But good for Ed! He deserves this.
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I don’t know how it happens, but I agree, good for Ed.
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Fo sho
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I am swelling with pride for this veteran and for those who contributed. Thank you, John!
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I’m with you, Jennie
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😀
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😊
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This man did a really nice thing. People shouldn’t be working at that age.
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Yes, he did. People shouldn’t be working at that age unless they are an author. 😀
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Yes, I agree 💓
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😊
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What a beautiful, inspiring story! Thank you so much for sharing.
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I agree. Thanks for the comment, Deborah.
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Now that is some great news! Kindness rocks! 🙂
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It does, Debby
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Great story! Great people! We need more if the kind worldwide now. Thank you, dear John!🍤🍻🍻🍻🎄
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We certainly do. Thank you, Maria. 😊
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