The $10M+ Freedom Convoy GoFundMe Has Been Removed & All Donations Will Be Refunded

As the trucker protest continues in Ottawa and moves toward Quebec City, the Freedom Convoy 2022 GoFundMe page has officially been removed after raising over $10 million, and funds will be given back to donors.

In a statement released on February 4, GoFundMe said that while it supports peaceful protests, it has evidence from Ottawa law enforcement that the demonstration "has become an occupation, with police reports of violence and other unlawful activity."

After reviewing relevant facts and speaking with local law enforcement and Ottawa city officials, the crowdfunding platform declared the fundraiser in violation of its terms of service, specifically, term 8, which "prohibits the promotion of violence and harassment."

GoFundMe said that it works with local authorities in order to ensure that it has "a detailed, factual understanding of events taking place on the ground."

At the time of publication, the Freedom Convoy 2022 GoFundMe page has been removed.

Prior to the removal of the page, GoFundMe distributed the initial $1 million raised to the protest organizers, who "confirmed funds would be used only for participants who traveled to Ottawa to participate in a peaceful protest."

As for the millions raised afterward, GoFundMe said it will refund the money back to donors.

"Given how this situation has evolved, no further funds will be directly distributed to the Freedom Convoy organizers," GoFundMe said.

While it previously planned on distributing remaining funds to "verified charities selected by the Freedom Convoy organizers," GoFundMe has simplified the process following donor feedback and will be automatically refunding all donations directly.

Donors do not have to submit a request for a refund and can expect their money back within 7 to 10 business days, GoFundMe said in its statement.