The GoFundMe website has terminated a fundraiser for truckers in the Convoy Freedom saying “peaceful demonstration has become an occupation, with police reports of violence and other unlawful activity.”.The fund became a sensation as the truckers moved across the country and raised more than $10 million, the eighth largest fundraiser in the organization’s history..Now GoFundMe says they will offer refunds to donors or give all the cash to charity. The truckers had earlier accessed $1 million..“GoFundMe supports peaceful protests and we believe that was the intention of the Freedom Convoy 2022 fundraiser when it was first created,” states the group’s website..“We now have evidence from law enforcement the previously peaceful demonstration has become an occupation, with police reports of violence and other unlawful activity..“To ensure GoFundMe remains a trusted platform, we work with local authorities to ensure we have a detailed, factual understanding of events taking place on the ground. Following a review of relevant facts and multiple discussions with local law enforcement and city officials, this fundraiser is now in violation of our Terms of Service (Term 8, which prohibits the promotion of violence and harassment) and has been removed from the platform.”).Ottawa police data shows crime has actually dropped in the area since the truckers arrived and no one from the protest has been arrested for a serious or violent crime..“Organizers provided a clear distribution plan for the initial $1M that was released earlier this week and confirmed funds would be used only for participants who traveled to Ottawa to participate in a peaceful protest,” said GoFundMe..“Given how this situation has evolved, 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..Donors have until February 19 to claim a refund..Dave Naylor is the News Editor of the Western Standard.,dnaylor@westernstandardonline.com,.Twitter.com/nobby7694
