Friday John Ku – AKA – TGIF – Fri-Yay/Good News

~ John W. Howell
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.

@itssozer

88 year old veteran still working.. 😭❤️ (donate in B1O) #love #kind #veteran

♬ original sound – Samuel Weidenhofer

75 thoughts on “Friday John Ku – AKA – TGIF – Fri-Yay/Good News”

  8. 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!

    Liked by 1 person

  15. Oh my goodness, I love posts that reveal the goodness of people. Thank you for sharing this heartwarming story, John. ❤️

    Liked by 1 person

  17. 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. ❣️

    Liked by 1 person

  19. 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.

    Liked by 1 person

      1. 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.

        Liked by 1 person

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  21. 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.

    Like

  24. 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

    Liked by 1 person

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