GO FUND ME Freezes Distribution of $4-Million in Funds for Truckers’ Protest When They Are Most Needed

GO FUND ME Freezes Distribution of $4-Million in Funds for Truckers’ Protest When They Are Most Needed

This looks like elitist sabotage. The convoy is on its way. Saturday is the day. The funds thousands of Canadians have contributed — $4-million+ in 10 days1 — are needed now.

GO FUND ME Freezes Distribution of $4-Million in Funds for Truckers’ Protest When They Are Most Needed

GoFundMe confirms trucker freedom convoy funds being held until ‘clear plan’ is revealed

GoFundMe has confirmed it is holding the funds in the freedom convoy fundraiser until a clear plan about how the funds will be spent is presented.

Hundreds of B.C. truckers took to the road Sunday kicking off what they called a “freedom convoy” to Ottawa in protest of the federal government’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate for cross-border truckers.

The GoFundMe, started by Tamara Lich in Medicine Hat, Alta., has already raised more than $4.5 million since Jan. 14 and while it appears people can still donate, GoFundMe said in a statement it is continuing to work directly with the organizer to gather information about how the funds will be distributed — the standard process to ensure the protection of all donors.

“Once a withdrawal plan is provided by the organizer, our team is on standby to safely and quickly deliver the funds,” the company said. Story continues below advertisement Click to play video: '‘Freedom convoy’ of truckers opposing vaccine mandate rolls through Calgary' 3:35 ‘Freedom convoy’ of truckers opposing vaccine mandate rolls through Calgary ‘Freedom convoy’ of truckers opposing vaccine mandate rolls through Calgary

Read more: Trucks pass through Regina as ‘freedom convoy’ continues toward Ottawa

The convoy of truckers rolled through Regina Monday night and was greeted by supporters who braved the cold weather to welcome the truckers to town.

“A lot of people are trying to say that these type of things are done out of anger, but this is actually being done out of frustration towards the things the government is imposing upon Canadian citizens,” said a man named Trevor who spoke to Global News when the convoy passed through the Balgonie area. He declined to provide his full name due to the controversial nature of the story.

“The amount of trucks involved and the amount of people showing up here, this shows the frustrations of Canadians and it’s going to continue to grow.” Story continues below advertisement

The Canadian Trucking Alliance (CTA) posted a statement this past weekend saying the vaccination rate among drivers in the country’s trucking industry closely mirrors that of the general public.

The U.S. also has a vaccine mandate for truckers seeking entry from Canada.

Meanwhile, the CTA also stated it “does not support and strongly disapproves of any protests on public roadways, highways and bridges.”Click to play video: '“Freedom Convoy” in protest of federal COVID-19 vaccine mandate' 5:11 “Freedom Convoy” in protest of federal COVID-19 vaccine mandate “Freedom Convoy” in protest of federal COVID-19 vaccine mandate

As the trucking convoy continues to Ottawa, GoFundMe said it requires “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. Funds will be safely held until the organizer is able to provide the information to our team about how funds will be properly distributed.”

Anti-Freedom Fanatics Want GoFundMe for Adam Skelly Shut Down

People want GoFundMe to stop hosting fundraiser for Adamson BBQ

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The GoFundMe to back Adamson BBQ owner Adam Skelly, who is facing steep fines after famously hosting diners inside one of his Toronto restaurants last week despite lockdown measures, has raised nearly $300,000 since it was launched four days ago, and many are pretty sickened by the show of support.

Skelly has become a hero for anti-lockdowners everywhere, ranging from those who feel for small businesses on the verge of certain demise due to pandemic closures to those who think COVID-19 is a complete hoax.

In response to the hundreds of thousands that Skelly has received from fans, people have started calling for GoFundMe to take down his campaign before it becomes any more lucrative for the rule flouter, who some feel put public health at risk for permitting indoor maskless dining for not one, but three days in a row at his Etobicoke location.

The 33-year-old restaurateur was arrested outside his restaurant at the QEW and Royal York last Thursday after a dramatic confrontation between throngs of his supporters and police, and now faces multiple charges that include operating without the business license authorities seized from him after his first day of illegal opening on Tuesday.

He may also be convicted for violations of the province’s emergency orders amid the health crisis, including defying indoor dining regulations and hosting a prohibited gathering, which could bring penalties of more than $100,000 plus jail time.

The fundraiser initially started to pay Skelly’s legal fees “for violating unconstitutional and draconian COVID ‘public health orders'” — which has become the site’s top crusade — now has a counter petition asking for its removal, as well as growing opposition online.

But, members of the public are justly able to crowdfund for “just about anything” they want, as the platform itself states, and those donating to the Adamson page presumably know exactly what they’re backing.

Still, others have aptly pointed out the countless other small businesses and causes that residents can direct their money toward instead during a time when so many are floundering (and still following the law).

Skelly headed to an anti-lockdown protest at Yonge-Dundas Square on Saturday — where he encouraged other businesses owners to contend the rules and open their doors — after being released on $50,000 bail the day prior.

He has garnered the avid support of notorious anti-masker Chris Sky, who is currently promoting a solidarity barbecue due to take place 200 m from Adamson BBQ property today.