TikTok user raises R1.7-million to help 82-year-old cashier retire
This grandfather has finally quit his job to spend more time with his family; all thanks to a TikTok user who helped raise more than R1.7-million for him.
The retirement age is 65.
However, depending on your financial status, some people might not be able to retire even after reaching that age.
Butch Marion of Cumberland, Maryland, was one of those people who was forced to work even at the age of 82 because he could not afford to retire.
But, thanks to TikTok and GoFundMe, his story has changed!
Rory McCarty, a TikToker, wrote on GoFundMe that he was touched when he saw saw Butch still working eight to nine hours a day.
"I was shopping at Walmart the other day, and was waited on by an 82yr old man named Butch. As a business owner and knowing how hard it's been to try to find good help for my business. I was astounded seeing this little older man still grinding. Working 8 to 9 hour shifts," he wrote.
READ: Proposed new 'two-pot' retirement rules which will allow one withdrawal per year from your pension
He felt moved in his heart to raise money so Butch could spend more time with his kids in Florida and pursue his passions rather than working.
"I wanted to help this Navy Veteran to live the remainder of his years traveling to see his kids in Florida. Get him off his feet for 8 hrs at a time. And do the things he would love to do that he may not be able to for financial reasons," he wrote.
His TikTok posts went viral, and he was able to receive a check for $108,682 in online donations from GoFundMe. The money was raised in less than a week.
In an interview with Fox News, Butch said he is feeling overwhelmed by the love.
"It's so amazing how good people are from around the world," he said during the interview.
The Navy veteran worked his final shift at Walmart last week before receiving his cheque.
He will use the money to pay off his debts, visit his daughters in Florida, whom he hasn't seen in five years, go fishing, and donate some of it to charity so that it might help others in need the same way that he has been helped.
See the emotional moment he received the cheque and thanked everyone who donated towards his retirement below.
@bug_boys Amazing that people are still donating. Almost another $10,000 the last 2 days. Looks like I'll be presenting Butch another check. Gofundme link in my bio #fyp #foryou #foryoupage #foryourpage #fy #fypage #retire #walmart #butch #veteran #navy ♬ original sound - BugBoys
Rory, who owns an extermination business called Bug Boys, has even invited Butch to his farm. He has been sharing TikTok videos of the two of them having fun together.
@bug_boys Butch says he hasn't driven a 4 Wheeler in 30 years #fyp #foryou #foryoupage #foryourpage #fy #fypage #4wd #honda #bugboys #retirement #TikTokWalmartRetiree #walmart ♬ original sound - BugBoys
@bug_boys Butch attended church with me this morning. He's getting his praise on. Lift him up in prayer please 🙏 #fyp #foryou #foryoupage #foryourpage #fy #fypage #worship #Jesus #church #salvation #saved ♬ original sound - BugBoys
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Image courtesy of YouTube screenshot.