After days of monitoring protests in Ottawa, Ontario, over vaccine mandates at the US border, GoFundMe pulled down the Freedom Convoy 2022 fund on Friday, which had been set up to help truck drivers taking part in the demonstration.
“We now have proof from law enforcement that the previously peaceful rally has turned into an occupation, with police complaints of violence and other unlawful conduct,” the fundraising platform said in a website alert.
“Following a review of pertinent information and repeated contacts with local law enforcement and city officials, this fundraiser has been removed off the platform for violating our rules of service (Term 8, which bans the advocacy of violence and harassment).”
The Freedom Convoy, made up largely of owner-operators, arrived in Ottawa this weekend as a peaceful protest against limitations imposed by the United States and Canada requiring cross-border truckers to produce proof of immunization.
However, the truckers were immediately swamped by a diverse group of demonstrators representing a variety of interests and political connections, including radicals and secessionists. Protesters were seen holding flags with swastikas, dancing on the Canadian Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and placing an inverted Canadian flag on a statue of activist Terry Fox.
GoFundMe halted more than CA$4.7 million ($3.7 million) contributed for the convoy last month until the platform got additional information about how the donations will be disbursed. It issued a warning earlier this week that recent events in Ottawa had sparked extensive discussion regarding the Freedom Convoy 2022 fundraiser.
“We strongly restrict user content that depicts or supports violent behavior — in this case, the organizer met our requirements and the fundraiser did not breach our Terms of Service at the time of creation,” the platform declared on Feb. 2.
However, after consulting with law police, the platform decided to delete the account on Friday, after releasing CA$1 million ($783,000) to organizers.
“Given how this scenario has grown, no additional contributions will be delivered directly to the Freedom Convoy organizers – we will work with organizers to send all remaining cash to credible and established charity selected by the Freedom Convoy 2022 organizers and certified by GoFundMe.”
GoFundMe initially said that donors could request a full refund until February 19. However, the platform revised the rules on Saturday in response to donor comments.
“In order to make things easier for our users, we will be refunding any donations to the Freedom Convoy 2022 fundraising.” This refund will be processed immediately; no action is required on your part. Donors should expect refunds within 7-10 business days.”
Meanwhile, Canadian officials are becoming increasingly upset with the demonstrators and their actions, as well as the trucks that are jamming up substantial areas of downtown Ottawa. On Wednesday, Ottawa’s police chief said he couldn’t rule out requesting military support, which Trudeau has denied.
