People have rallied behind a dedicated and hard-working man after one of his co-workers shared the details behind his retirement.
After being left heartbroken about how her colleague was treated after 42 years of service at the same company, a woman named Sonia stepped up and utilized the power of social media to do some good.
Taking to TikTok, Sonia revealed that her co-worker - named John - had been working for minimum wage at the same job for over four decades. When it came to John's last day, she claims he was rewarded with a retirement barbecue and a certificate... after 42 years!
Many of his co-workers felt that John, who is in his 70s, deserved more. So, Sonia set up a GoFundMe for John and posted a video explaining his story.
Her first video showed John working in what appeared to be a warehouse unit during his final day. A lengthy on-screen caption said: "Today is my co-worker’s last day. He worked for this company for 42 years making minimum wage.
"The company only threw him a barbecue and gave him a certificate," she continued. "He takes the bus and Bart (train) to get here every day on time. He’s 70+.
"He loves working here so much he didn’t want to retire. [He got] No bonus, just a barbecue and a certificate. Don’t be a slave to your job. Thank you John for your loyalty."
And since setting up the GoFundMe page back in October, more than $95,000 was raised for John!
On the page, Sonia described John as "one of the most talented and hard-working" employees at the company and shared that he was "extremely dependable".
Sonia added that it had been difficult to convince him to take a break because he always wanted to work. "It doesn’t matter how much we would suggest to take his vacation days, he would still want to work," she said.
"Can we give John a little something more for his retirement? Or maybe just some positive vibes and words of encouragement to get him through the rest of his days," she penned. "He has no wife or kids, however, he does have a nephew whom he loves dearly.
"It would be nice to give him some kind of company or something to do so he knows that he’s special and loved," she concluded.
On the page, many kind donators also shared messages of support and praise for John.
"John - your dedication and work ethic are humbling. Much respect and best wishes to you in your much-deserved retirement. God bless, brother," one user wrote.
Another said: "John you are an inspiration! God Bless you John, my middle son is named John and I hope when he grows up he possesses the qualities you displayed all these years, loyalty, dedication, hard work and having gratitude, and a positive attitude!
"Please enjoy your retirement John it is so richly deserved and may you be Blessed, sending you lots of love and blessings and very best wishes, Margaret," they added.
"Your hard work and dedication is an inspiration, John! We need more like you in the world. All the best to you from NYC!", a third added.
And at the end of October, Sonia shared a video showing a smiling John revealing that he had received the money and it was now safely in his bank account.
We wish John all the happiness in his retirement - you've earned it!
