Anti-Ajax fund tops $25,000 target
Image from crowd funding site.
NEWS/ AJAX — A coalition of groups opposing the proposed Ajax mine reached its $25,000 crowd funding target with nine days to spare, the group announced today (Wednesday).
“We are thrilled and so very thankful to all who made – and are continuing to make – donations,” said coalition representative Dianne Kerr.
The group started the campaign last month and by today had hit $25,800 in donations from 218 contributors. It made headlines earlier when it turned down a $5,000 donation from KGHM Ajax, saying it would have been a conflict of interest.
The donations will be used to hire consultants to review the environmental assessment application expected to be submitted by the company in August.
“The people are speaking with their contributions, giving donations that so far have ranged from $5 to $2,000. Folks are willing to give what they can to defend the health and well being of the citizens of Kamloops,” said Kerr.
While the target has been reached, the IndieGoGo site for the crowdfunding initiative will remain active until June 18, she said.
“We need experts who will go through this application to ensure key issues are addressed properly. Any additional funding will allow us to conduct a more in-depth review, as we will be able to hire more experts.”
The crowd funding site paints opponents as David fighting Goliath, and says part of the donations will also be used to set up a storefront to distribute information.
The Kamloops Area Preservation Association, Kamloops Physicians for a Healthy Environment and Kamloops Moms for Clean Air are among the groups involved in the fundraising.
ArmchairMayor.ca 
To clarify, KGHM Ajax has no problem nor concern with the business leader letter being released to the public by whomever chose to give it Mel Rothenburger. To the contrary, KGHM is grateful to have the open, public support of some of this city’s most distinguished business leaders.
KGHM did not release the letter publicly because it was not our letter to release — it was signed by 42 people who chose to make a statement in support of the Ajax Project and the environmental assessment process.
LikeLike
“Not your letter to release?” You co-wrote it! Must be laundry day because the spin-cycle is going strong.
LikeLike
That is great news, now I am sure for the sake of transparency, Anti-Ajax will officially list donors for the sake of public consumption. Can’t wait for the independent reports that will come from reports and studies.
LikeLike
What are you talking about? Donors can be public or anonymous as they choose on the Indiegogo website. No one lists the anonymous donors as they don’t know who they are. What exactly are you trying to imply with this comment?
LikeLike
You can see the donors by clicking on the crowdfunding link and clicking donors… http://indiegogo.com/projects/help-stop-the-ajax-mine
That’s a lot more transparent than KGHM Ajax has been, who still has “No comment” on the recent letter that was leaked of business owners for the Ajax mine… why didn’t they want that made public?
LikeLike
Lawrence – those reports are not independent. They come from consultants hired and paid for by KGHM, who controls all the info, and releases what they want. Those so-called independent experts rely on the mining industry for their income. Do you actually think they will release reports which are negative to KGHM or the industry. If you were in their shoes, would you risk your income and livelihood??
The EAO process is flawed. We deserve the best assessment available ….. we need a federal Panel Review conducted in open, sworn testimony.
LikeLike
Here’s a link to the donor page for you Lawrence.
https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/help-stop-the-ajax-mine#/funders
LikeLike