An 88-year-old veteran was surprised Friday with more than $1.7 million to help him retire from his job at a Michigan supermarket.

Strangers around the world donated the money for Ed Bambas, 88, after he and his story appeared in a recent social media video by Australian social media influencer Sam Weidenhofer.

Bambas broke into tears when Weidenhofer unveiled a big check for him.

"Thank you ... oh my God," Bambas said Friday after the surprise, in video shared by ABC Detroit station WXYZ . "I wish my wife were here, but it's something that dreams are made out of."

Weidenhofer told WXYZ previously that he first learned about Bambas when a stranger shared his story in the comments section of one of his videos.

Bambas also spoke with WXYZ previously and explained that he had to

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