GoFundMe says Freedom Convoy funds will be held until they provide documentation about distribution

Truck drivers heading across Canada to Ottawa for freedom and to protest against the vaccine mandate at the border have raised more than $4.5 million from donors around the world, but before they withdraw the money they have to provide proof to GoFundMe on how the funds will be used.

A GoFundMe spokesperson from the fundraising company told Lakeland Connect, “Funds will be safely held until the organizer is able to provide the documentation to our team about how funds will be properly distributed.”

The fundraising platform GoFundMe has temporarily stopped organizers from using the money, however, the fundraising campaign is still operational and has almost raised $4.6 million as of January 25 at noon.

“We are continuing to work directly with the organizer to gather information about how funds are being distributed, this is part of our standard process to ensure the protection of all donors,” the GoFundMe Spokesperson told Lakeland Connect. “Once a withdrawal plan is provided by the organizer, our team is on standby to safely and quickly deliver the funds.”

GoFundMe says, “Our goal is to protect the generosity of donors and ensure that every dollar donated on our platform reaches the right place.”

“We require that fundraisers be transparent about the flow of funds and have a clear plan for how those funds will be spent,” the GoFundMe Spokesperson told Lakeland Connect. “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 documentation to our team about how funds will be properly distributed.”

As this is a developing story Lakeland Connect will bring you more information when available, and the trucks keep rolling towards Ottawa for freedom organizers say.

If you’re interested in learning more about GoFundMe Trust and Safety processes and how they protect the community visit these links: