An elderly man in the US has gone viral after a coworker shared footage of his final day at work before retirement, slamming his sub-par send-off after 42 years’ service in the minimum wage job.
John was given a certificate and a celebratory barbecue for his decades of loyalty, inspiring his outraged coworker Soniah to fundraise $A57,454, and capture his reaction when she surprised her hardworking colleague with his new fortune.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Shock retirement surprise for long-serving worker given shoddy send off.
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A video of the elderly factory worker packaging boxes was initially posted to TikTok with a text overlay reading: “Don’t be a slave to your job.”
“The company only threw him a barbecue and gave him a certificate. He takes the bus and the (Bay Area Rapid Transport) BART every day on time.
“He loves working here so much he doesn’t want to retire.
“Thank you, John, for your loyalty.”
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A GoFundMe which surfaced shortly after, added that: “Rain or shine, he will make it to work.”
“He has no wife or kids. However, he does have a nephew whom he loves dearly.”
John worked the same job for 42 years and was given a certificate when he retired. So a co-worker stepped in. Credit: TikTok
Donors from all over the world contributed to John’s new retirement fund, inspired by his hardworking attitude. One wrote alongside their donation: “Hey John, go and relax my friend. Take a trip to Disneyland or hang with your nephew.”
“Happy retirement John … these days it is nearly impossible to find people who are happy to do an honest day’s work and also take pride in a job well done; it sounds like you have done both,” another said.
“John, in an ever-changing world like ours today, your unwavering loyalty and dedication to hard work is as precious as gold,” another said.
The fundraiser closed to the public on Thursday, and Soniah captured the moment John learned of his new fortune shortly after.
He could do little but nod and smile as he was handed a printout of the many well-wishes, and proof of the funds set to enter his bank account.
Soniah thanked donors and stressed that John would be receiving every cent of their support.
“Thank you for being so kind to our fellow co-worker and sending him so much love for his retirement. I will GUARANTEE you that he will receive every! Single! PENNY!” she wrote on the GoFundMe.
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