The GoFundMe account established to provide funding for the “Freedom Convoy 2022” protest in Ottawa, Canada, had raised C$10 million (US$7.9 million) on Friday when the company announced it would withhold the money due to police reports of violence, the BBC reported.
GoFundMe issued the following statement:
GoFundMe supports peaceful protests and we believe that was the intention of the Freedom Convoy 2022 fundraiser when it was first created.
We now have evidence from law enforcement that the previously peaceful demonstration has become an occupation, with police reports of violence and other unlawful activity.
The company, likely under intense pressure from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, said they had returned $1 million to a group of peaceful protestors but added, “No further funds will be directly distributed to the Freedom Convoy organizers – we will work with organizers to send all remaining funds to credible and established charities verified by GoFundMe.”
A most undemocratic action by anyone’s standards. And not an especially good look for a company that touts its ability to provide individuals and organizations in financial need with “trusted fundraising for all of life’s moments.”
Please note there has been little to no violence at the rally.
Three arrests have been reported at the protest which began last Saturday. One individual was arrested for “carrying a weapon,” another for “mischief under $5,000,” and a third for “uttering threats on social media,” according to the BBC.
Upon reflection and a whole lot of blowback, the company agreed on Saturday morning to refund the money to the original donors.
GoFundMe announced: “Due to donor feedback, we are simplifying the process. We will automatically refund all contributions directly — donors do not need to submit a request. You can expect to see your refund within 7–10 business days.”
The BBC reported that another crowdfunding platform, GiveSendGo, would accept donations for the Freedom Convoy.
Protestors have vowed to remain in Ottawa until the Canadian government agrees to drop its vaccine mandate.
Ottawa residents are unhappy with their presence and have made their feelings known.
The BBC spoke to a chef at a local restaurant who said deliveries of food and alcohol had been put on hold due to the blockade.
“I have no doubt that the vast majority are peaceful. But, as was seen last year with protests in the US, a small minority of people with bad intentions can very easily and quickly escalate the situation,” he noted.
Another resident said: “There were men walking in groups in front of our house with ‘Make Canada Great Again’ hats. I just started to feel like I don’t want to go and put myself out there. There’s a feeling of unease.”
There is “a sense of lack of safety for anyone who is not Caucasian, straight or on board with the protests”, said Jessica Seguin, who fears for her child, who identifies as transgender.
One Ottawa citizen has filed a lawsuit claiming up to C$10m in damages against the organizers of the trucker convoy for the “excruciatingly loud” honking of horns, reports Global News.
Chris Barber, one of the organizers of the protest, said last week he understands “their frustration and genuinely wish[es] there was another way for us to get our message across.”
“The responsibility for your inconvenience lies squarely on the shoulders of politicians who prefer to vilify and call us names rather than engage in respectful, serious dialogue,” he said.
A second organizer, Tamara Lich, said the protestors are “average peace-loving and law-abiding citizens from all walks of life who are fed up with being disrespected and bullied by our government.”
On Friday, the Ottawa police announced they will deploy an additional 150 officers to the blockade area and expand the number of police barricades as part of their “surge and contain” strategy.
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