DETROIT (Michigan News Source) —What began as a chance encounter in a Detroit-area supermarket has turned into a viral fundraising campaign bringing in more than $1.7 million for an 88-year-old Army veteran who still works full-time to get by.

Ed Bambas, who stocks shelves five days a week, was featured this week on a GoFundMe launched by social-media creator Samuel Weidenhofer. As of December 5, the fundraiser had reached $1.74 million—174% of its initial goal.

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On the GoFundMe page, Weidenhofer wrote: “I want to introduce you all to Ed Bambas, a man I met recently in a Detroit supermarket who completely humbled me.”

Weidenhofer went on to note that Bambas “never received the pension he earned after a lifetime of hard work” and has been on his own since his wife died. Yet, he said, the 88-year-old still shows up to work each day “with quiet dignity, strength, and perseverance.”

He called Bambas’ situation “a stark reminder that too many of our seniors, especially veterans, face incredible challenges just to survive.”

The fundraiser promises that “every dollar we raise will go directly to supporting him,” from living expenses to medical needs to “the small joys that make life meaningful.”

In the viral video accompanying the fundraiser, Bambas explains that he retired from General Motors in 1999 but lost his pension after the company’s 2012 bankruptcy. GM acknowledged the attention the video has generated, saying it appreciated Bambas’ contributions during his time with the company.

The influencer says plans are underway to set up a secure account or trust so the money is protected and managed appropriately.