The GoFundMe started to support truckers fighting for Canadians’ freedom has been frozen by the company after raising $4.5 million.
“We require that fundraisers be transparent about the flow of funds and have a clear plan for how those funds will be spent. In this case, we are in touch with the organizer to verify that information,” spokeswoman Rachel Hollis wrote in an email obtained by the Canadian Press.
“Funds will be safely held until the organizer is able to provide the documentation to our team about how funds will be properly distributed.”
By that time, truckers requiring the funds to get to Ottawa may run out of cash for fuel and lodging.
Freedom trucker convoy making it’s way through Brandon, Manitoba, Canada being greeted by large crowds of supporters today.
The convoy is coming from the west and east of Canada and meeting in Ottawa to protest all mandates and restrictions in the country. pic.twitter.com/ON9tHu4L2h
— Marie Oakes (@TheMarieOakes) January 25, 2022
At the time of writing, Tamara Lich, the woman responsible for organizing the GoFundMe campaign, has raised $4,584,280 in 11 days from over 59,000 Canadians — a massive figure showing just how much support truckers have and how many Canadians are done with mandates.
These are the kind of people who don't usually protest – but boy are they ever good at it. #FreedomConvoy2022 pic.twitter.com/iO4oDL1ZxU
— Keean Bexte (@TheRealKeean) January 25, 2022
As Lich writes, “To our Fellow Canadians, the time for political overreach is over. Our current government is implementing rules and mandates that are destroying the foundation of our businesses, industries, and livelihoods. Canadians have been integral to the fabric of humanity in many ways that have shaped the planet.”
“… We are taking our fight to the doorsteps of our Federal Government and demanding that they cease all mandates against its people,” Lich continues.
“Small businesses are being destroyed, homes are being destroyed, and people are being mistreated and denied fundamental necessities to survive. It’s our duty as Canadians to put an end to [these] mandates. It is imperative that this happens because if we don’t, our country will no longer be the country we have come to love. We are doing this for our future Generations and to regain our lives back.”
According to Lich, the funds raised for the freedom convoy are to cover the high costs of driving all the way from BC to Ottawa, with the bulk of the money going to a bulk fuel supplier.
Keean Bexte is embedded with the Convoy. He reported from Brandon, Manitoba about an hour ago – and says the convoy is about 70kms long. Yes – 70km long and they haven't even reached Ontario yet.
You can catch @TheRealKeean on @SuperUOfficial …https://t.co/mHXCsQH431 pic.twitter.com/Px34JzGoo6
— DonaldBest.CA * IT ENDS WHEN WE DO NOT COMPLY (@DonaldBestCA) January 25, 2022
Every overpass is filled with people just like this one. The convoy has just started, and Justin Trudeau is not nearly as concerned as you should be. #TruckersForFreedom pic.twitter.com/5LTFv4WGCr
— Keean Bexte (@TheRealKeean) January 24, 2022
Despite this specificity and though donations are still pouring in, GoFundMe is restricting access to the crucial and primary funds that truckers need to make the protest financially viable.
