The 88-year-old cashier at a Michigan supermarket received an unexpected $1.7 million windfall.

Sam Weidenhofer

 On Friday, the 88-year-old Michigan shop worker was presented with a massive $1.7 million cheque. This money was raised through an impressive fundraising campaign run by a young Australian with huge support on social media.

“No, no,” Bambas said, wiping tears and sniffles in front of reporters. “Thank you. Oh, my God.”

Sam Weidenhofer, 22, is using his powerful platforms to spread kindness—and cash—during his visit to the United States.

About two weeks ago, he met Bambas at a Meijer store in Brighton, southeastern Michigan. He filmed a TikTok video for his 7.7 million followers, in which the retired General Motors worker explained why he is still working near the age of 90. Bambas shared that he continued working following the death of his wife, Joan, in 2018 after a long illness. 

“I don’t have enough income,” Bambas said on the video.

Weidenhofer then started a GoFundMe appeal online, asking people to help Bambas.

“His story is a stark reminder that too many of our seniors, especially veterans face incredible challenges just to survive,” said Weidenhofer, who is from Melbourne, Australia, and has over 10 million followers across various social media platforms.

The reaction was staggering: Over 15,000 people have chipped in with donations ranging from $10 to $10,000. 

“It means a terrible burden,” Bambas jokingly told reporters. “I have to find everybody and say, ‘thank you.’”

He said he started working at Meijer, a large superstore that sells food, clothing, and other goods, when he was 82.

“I talk to everybody that came through my cashier line because it helped me not become despondent on her loss. … I gave them a piece of my life story,” Bambas said, referring to his wife.

Lexi Wallace, 26, who used to be a regular customer before moving away, went on Weidenhofer's Facebook page and asked him to find Bambas.

“I thought his name was Bob. He never corrected me,” Wallace said. “I would love going to Meijer to see him.”

Weidenhofer said Bambas will be able to clear $225,000 worth of debt using the money. How he spends the remaining funds is completely his decision.

“It feels like a dream,” Weidenhofer said.

Bambas plans to travel to visit his brother and take up golf again. As for his job, he is not quitting his checkout assistant position yet.

“I’ll probably work another month or two and shut things down,” he said.

Source: CNN