GoFundMe to automatically refund donors of truck convoy protest within 7-10 days

By CityNews Ottawa

GoFundMe has announced it will automatically refund all donations made to the 'Freedom Convoy' protests, one day after pulling the plug on the online fundraiser for what it deemed was a violation of the company's terms of service.

All refunds will be made within seven to 10 business days “to simplify the process for our users,” the crowdfunding company said in a tweet early on Saturday, February 5.

GoFundMe had initially asked that all donors send a request for a refund in the next two weeks.

“The update we issued earlier enabled all donors to get a refund and outlined a plan to distribute remaining funds to verified charities selected by the Freedom Convoy organizers,” the company tweeted. “However, due to donor feedback, we are simplifying the process and automatically refunding donations.”

GoFundMe pulled the fundraiser on Friday, February 4 after stating that multiple discussions with local law enforcement and city officials led to the discovery that the fundraiser violated Term 8 of its terms of service.

“GoFundMe supports peaceful protests and we believe that was the intention of the 'Freedom Convoy' 2022 fundraiser when it was first created,” read Friday’s initial statement. “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.”

The fundraiser reached $10 million in donations by Wednesday, February 2.

Ottawa police issued a statement on Twitter thanking the company for pulling the funds.

Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson also sent a series of tweets thanking GoFundMe for cancelling the fundraiser.

“In light of the unlawful behaviour that has transpired in the last few days, they have come to the right decision in support of our city and our residents,” tweeted Watson.

“These protesters have been holding our city hostage for a week now, and I'm hopeful that limiting their access to funding and resources will restrict their ability to remain in Ottawa.”

—With files from Chris Stoodley.

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