This story has been updated to contain new information that wasn't available at the time of writing.
GoFundMe has removed the Canadian Freedom Convoy's fundraiser for violating it's terms of service, stating that this peaceful protest "has become an occupation". Now when you visit the link to the GoFundMe of the Freedom Convoy, you're redirected to a statement issued by the company.
"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", reads the statement. Those following the Freedom Convoy through independent journalists, as well as those brave individuals who are on the ground in Ottawa know that the only reports of violence or unlawful activity was coming from people vandalizing the Freedom Convoy trucks at night.
Earlier this week GoFundMe had released $1million of the funds to the organizers of the fundraiser as they had provided a clear distribution plan. However they mention that because of "how the situation unfolded, no further funds will be released". The statement ends off by stating: "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."
Independent journalist Keean Bexte had tweeted at Elon Musk advising him to get his money back (from his assumed donation via liar.com). Elon Musk had responded that it wasn't his money, accompanied by this meme:
Elon would also post a screenshot of a GoFundMe tweet that showed them openly supporting the Capital Hill Occupied Protests, calling it a revolution. This move was referred to as a double standard by Musk.
Anyone who has donated to the Freedom Convoy is being told by their official Facebook page to request a refund and await further instructions rather than sending the money via etransfer to a federally regulated bank.
UPDATE: After an immense amount of public outcry, and threats of thousands of charge-backs, GoFundMe has decided to refund all of the donations automatically. People like Tim Pool had suggested doing the charge backs as a way to hurt the pockets of GoFundMe. Florida state governor Ron DeSantis called it a fraud, and said that he would be working to investigate.
The Freedom Convoy has a new donation link up, you can now redirect your donations to https://www.givesendgo.com/FreedomConvoy2022
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