GoFundMe shuts down Freedom Convoy fundraiser that raised $9 million

 

 

 

 

Canadian truckers will have to find money elsewhere after a fundraiser that raised $9 million for a protest against COVID-19 rules was shut down Friday night. 

 

GoFundMe said it took down the page after speaking with law enforcement and claimed that the protesting truckers had broken the website's terms of service. Though the website said it supports peaceful protests, the site stated the group had violated Term 8, which "prohibits the promotion of violence and harassment." 

 

"Given how this situation has evolved, no further funds will be directly distributed to the Freedom Convoy organizers," GoFundMe said in a statement. "We will work with organizers to send all remaining funds to credible and established charities chosen by the Freedom Convoy 2022 organizers and verified by GoFundMe." 

 

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The site stated that organizers had provided a distribution plan for $1 million "released earlier this week" and confirmed it would be used for participants "who traveled to Ottawa to participate in a peaceful protest." Donors who wish to receive a refund may submit a request before Feb. 19. 

 

GoFundMe's decision was criticized on social media. Among them was Canadian psychology professor and author Jordan Peterson.

 

This is far worse than mere theft. Government-sanctioned appropriation from citizens funding lawful opposition. This sets a very very dark precedent @JustinTrudeau @gofundme https://t.co/Y3khUCuYqK

— Dr Jordan B Peterson (@jordanbpeterson) February 5, 2022

 

Dump @GOFUNDME forever

— Truckistan Amb. Poso 🏁 (@JackPosobiec) February 5, 2022

.@GoFundMe allowed money to go to bailing violent BLM rioters out of jail... but now denies the peaceful Freedom Convoy their funds... stop using this leftist trash and demand refunds.

— Tim Young 🚛 (@TimRunsHisMouth) February 5, 2022

 

The fundraiser was frozen Jan. 25 when it had raised $4.7 million for the convoy. The site said it had frozen the page until the company verified how the funds would be distributed. 

 

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

 

The truckers' protest in Ottawa, Canada's capital, started as a rally against the federal government's COVID-19 vaccine mandate for cross-border truckers but has since grown to include demonstrations against a number of COVID-19 health restrictions. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Thursday that the truckers are ignoring the results of the country's September 2021 federal election. 

 

Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson thanked GoFundMe. 

 

"These protesters have been holding our city hostage for a week now, and I'm hopeful that limiting their access to funding and resources will restrict their ability to remain in Ottawa," he said on Twitter. 

 

GoFundMe made news in November when it reversed course and allowed fundraising for Kyle Rittenhouse's legal fees after the platform removed his campaigns for violating its policy against aiding people accused of violent crimes. The turnaround followed a jury finding Rittenhouse not guilty of all charges related to the fatal shooting of two men during a riot in Kenosha, Wisconsin, in 2020 in a landmark case that captivated, and divided, much of the nation.

 

 

 Source: Washington Examiner