GOFUNDME will withdraw millions of money received for Canadian truckers protesting vaccine mandates over police allegations of violence.
Since last weekend, the Freedom Convoy has been rallying, and additional protests are anticipated in Toronto and Ottawa.
The crowdfunding website said in a statement that it will keep any donations already made and refund donors who fill out a request form.
Interestingly, a different internet platform has offered to accept donations for the convoy.
So far among the thousands who joined the truckers’ protest three persons have been arrested: one for carrying a weapon, one for mischief under $5,000, and another for making threats on social media.
Donations to the “Freedom Convoy 2022” GoFundMe page have topped C$10 million ($7.9 million; £5.8 million), with about C$1 million going to organizers so far.
GoFundMe said in a statement on Friday that the protests were peaceful when the fundraiser began, but that they had subsequently breached its terms of service, which forbid the advocacy of violence and harassment.
According to GoFundMe, “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,”
Adding that the $1 million that has already been disbursed will only go to those who peacefully protested in Ottawa.
“No further funds will be directly distributed to the Freedom Convoy organizers – we will work with organisers to send all remaining funds to credible and established charities verified by GoFundMe,” the statement continued.
Shortly after GoFundMe backed out, another online fundraising company, GiveSendGo, declared it would accept donations for the convoy.
In response to locals’ concerns, the organizers of the Freedom Convoy have pledged to protest peacefully and in accordance with the law, as well as to “stay as long as it takes.”
Chris Barber, the convoy’s organizer, said this week, “We understand your frustration and genuinely wish 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.”
According to Lich, another organizer, Tamara Lich, stated that the demonstrators are in Ottawa “for the love of our families, our communities and our nation”.
The characterization of protesters as “racists, misogynists and even terrorists” offends her.
They are “ordinary peace-loving and law-abiding citizens from all walks of life who are fed up with our government’s disrespect and bullying,” she said.
Police have expressed concern about the convoy’s ability to draw extremist rhetoric.
Reports of several complaints have been received from Ottawa residents.
Idling trucks that obstruct traffic and impromptu wooden constructions in city parks are among the complaints, as are lost revenue and fears of harassment and violence.
Stuart, a chef at a downtown restaurant, revealed that his job had been impeded because food and alcohol deliveries were unable to pass through the truck roadblock and police cordons.
He stated, “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.”
Monica Chohan, a central Ottawa-based Indian-Canadian lawyer, 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.”
According to Jessica Seguin, who is concerned for her transgender child, there is “a sense of lack of safety for anyone who is not Caucasian, straight or on board with the protests”
Global News also revealed that one Ottawa resident has filed a lawsuit seeking up to C$10 million in damages from the trucker convoy’s organizers for the “excruciatingly loud” horn blaring.
According to a recent Abacus Data poll, 68 percent of Canadians believe they have “very little in common” with demonstrators, while 32 percent believe they have “a lot in common” with truckers.
The Ottawa Police Service also revealed a new “surge and contain” plan on Friday. A ‘red zone’ of police barricades will be expanded, with 150 more cops being sent to the city center.
Police also say they’ll do more to investigate and prosecute anyone caught violating the law.
Authorities anticipate a counter-demonstration of 1,000 people to meet the protesters.
Police Chief Peter Sloly described the situation as “unacceptable” and stated that the force is “totally dedicated to putting a stop to this demonstration.”
“I take great empathy with those that have endured unacceptable violations of their ability to live, raise their family [and] conduct business in this city,” he stated.
