Ninety-five-year-old Walmart Employee Has No Intention of Retiring

Walmart employee with Walmart vest stands with mask
by SalvationArmy.ca
Categories: Articles, Blog, Feature, Mobile, Newswire
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Giving hope and help to Canadians in need is at the core of The Salvation Army’s mission. Last year, over 2.1 million people were helped thanks to the generosity of our volunteers, donors, and corporate partners. One of the organization’s long-standing partners is Walmart Canada, who have been alongside The Salvation Army for 15 years giving struggling families a hand up when they need it most.

Every Christmas, for over a decade, Walmart hosts The Salvation Army’s iconic Christmas kettles throughout the holiday season and matches up to $100,000 on Walmart Fill the Kettle Day. And at each store, there are compassionate and dedicated employees who provide a warm smile and assistance to every customer.

“I have always worked where I felt like what I was doing had value.”

For the past 20 years, Bill Edwards has been an inspirational fixture at the entrance of the Walmart in Midland, Ont. Working as a greeter fills a large part of his life and gives him a sense of purpose, even on his most challenging days.

“I have always worked where I felt like what I was doing had value,” says Bill. “My role as a Walmart greeter is a perfect fit for me, and my hours don’t interfere with my favourite TV show, Hawaii Five-0,” he chuckles.

Before retirement, and for 45 years, Bill sold repair manuals to garages across Canada. He estimates that he drove over two million miles in his career, serving his customers with excellence and acting with integrity. He loved being around, interacting with and helping people.

“I believe kindness, good service, respect and dignity can make someone’s day brighter,” says Bill, noting that his values align with Walmart and those of The Salvation Army.

“The Salvation Army helps people feel good and that’s what I want to do,” says Bill. “At 95, I’m fortunate to have a job I love.”

Focusing his attention and energy on his role has helped Bill on some of his most challenging days.

“I believe kindness, good service, respect and dignity can make someone’s day brighter.”

“I lost my wife and daughter to cancer 10 years ago—and two months apart,” says Bill. “Going to work gave me a temporary distraction and stability during my grief journey.”

Bill has no intention of slowing down. His wants to keep ‘doing’ until he is 100.

Over the years, Walmart Canada has donated more than $35 million to The Salvation Army and given countless numbers of smiles to each person who comes through their doors. Thanks to the compassionate care of Walmart Canada and its employees, The Salvation Army can continue to provide hope and happiness to individuals and families across the country.

By Linda Leigh