GoFundMe for Canada’s ‘Freedom Convoy’ cut off, refunds to be issued

suspended the fundraising effort, which had raised about 10 million Canadian (US $7.8 million), but said Friday it will refund or redirect to charities the vast majority of the money raised in support of those protesting COVID-19 measures in Ottawa.The company said in a statement they believed the intention of the Freedom Convoy fundraiser was to support a peaceful protest when it was first created, but said they now have "evidence from law enforcement that the previously peaceful demonstration has become an occupation, with police reports of violence and other unlawful activity."Thousands of protesters railing against vaccine mandates and other COVID-19 restrictions descended on the capital last weekend, deliberately blocking traffic around Parliament Hill.

Police estimate about 250 remained, but deputy police chief Steve Bell said they expected 300 to 400 more trucks this weekend and more than 1,000 protesters on foot.

He said up to 1,000 counter-protesters were expected as well.Many Canadians were outraged after some protesters urinated and parked on the National War Memorial.

One danced on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. A number carried signs and flags with swastikas.Protest organizers are also now facing a class-action lawsuit over the continuous horn noise, filed on behalf of residents.Ontario's Conservative premier said the demonstrators were no longer participating in a protest, but called it now an "occupation" and said it is "time for this to come to an end."RELATED: Canadian truckers, thousands of others protest vaccine mandate in OttawaProtesters have said they won’t leave until all mandates and COVID-19 restrictions are gone.