Australian influencer's fundraiser nets $1.7m for elderly US cashier

An 88-year-old American supermarket cashier struggling to make ends meet has received a life-changing donation of US$1.7 million (HK$13.3 million) raised by an Australian social media influencer.

Ed Bambas, who returned to work as a cashier at a supermarket in Brighton, Michigan, after retiring from General Motors, was filmed by 22-year-old influencer Sam Weidenhofer, who has over 10 million followers online.

In the video, Bambas explained he had to re-enter the workforce at age 82 after his wife passed away in 2018, as his income was insufficient to support himself.

Moved by the story, Weidenhofer started a GoFundMe campaign, highlighting the financial pressures faced by many elderly individuals and veterans. The fundraiser quickly gained traction, attracting over 15,000 donations ranging from US$10 to US$10,000, ultimately reaching approximately US$1.7 million.

Weidenhofer presented a giant cheque to Bambas last Friday. An emotional Bambas was seen on camera saying: "Oh, my God… thank you." He joked that his new "heavy burden" was finding a way to thank every donor.

Bambas said the funds would allow him to pay off around US$225,000 in debt and reconsider his future. He hopes to visit his brother and take up golf again. As for his job, he quipped he would continue working for "another month or two" before retiring properly.