An 88-year-old Winnipeg woman who lost her pension money when she was robbed in the street says she is overwhelmed by the kindness of strangers who have donated money.

Eva Zajac had just cashed her pension check when robbers took the money, in an incident Jan. 31.

Police have since arrested and charged two women.

But the officers did not stop at that.

They opened a bank account and collected donations to replace the $1,500 Zajac lost in the attack.

Before long, the campaign had raised about $2,500.

Zajac said she was moved by how people responded.

"I am proud," she told CBC News Friday. "I cry [with the] loss of my money, scared. Now I could even cry to be happy."

Following the robbery Zajac and her husband said they plan to move into a different part of the neighbourhood.

With files from CBC's Sheila North Wilson