GoFundMe Closes Fundraiser for Ontario Woman Accused of Assault in Water Gun Incident

September 17, 2024 TruthUSA

GoFundMe has terminated an online fundraiser for a Simcoe, Ont., woman who is facing an assault with a weapon charge for allegedly using a water gun on her neighbor.

Over $10,000 had been contributed to the campaign for Wendy Washik’s legal fees as of Sept. 12 before GoFundMe halted the initiative.

GoFundMe did not reply to a request for comment before publication. A friend of the Washik family, Kari Lee, informed The Epoch Times that the reason for the cancelation was the platform’s policy against campaigns related to legal matters involving criminal charges.

“They redirected to GiveSendGo,” Lee mentioned. “They assisted the family greatly with this issue.”

Washik’s family has now initiated a GiveSendGo fundraising campaign to raise $20,000 for her legal expenses.

The 58-year-old mother of two and wife of a retired police officer was arrested on Sept. 1 after a “neighbor dispute” led to a “victim being physically assaulted,” according to a press release from the Norfolk County detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP). The release noted that there were no injuries from the incident.

A description on the new fundraising campaign for Washik provides a different version of the incident, stating that Washik was engaged in a water gun battle with a child from the neighborhood during a community event when a stray water spray accidentally hit a neighbor.

“There was no intention to wet the neighbor, and there was certainly no intention to harm anyone during this harmless activity,” the post explains.

The page indicates that police were called, Washik was arrested and charged; she has been suspended from her role as an educational assistant who works with children with developmental disabilities.

A Change.org petition was launched on Sept. 15, urging the Ontario Provincial Court to drop the charges against Washik.

The petition pleads for reconsideration of the charge so that Washik can continue serving her community and supporting her family without unnecessary hardship.

Washik is described as an active and valued community member residing with her husband, a retired OPP officer known for apprehending dangerous criminals.

The OPP declined to provide details on Washik’s arrest or the nature of the incident that led to the charges when contacted by The Epoch Times. The Norfolk County detachment also refrained from confirming if the weapon involved was indeed a water gun.

Const. Andrew Gamble of the OPP stated that every situation is unique and that their role is to investigate thoroughly and act appropriately as per their legal responsibilities.

Gamble emphasized the importance of protecting the investigation’s integrity and subsequent legal processes, hence refraining from further comment.

Washik is set to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Simcoe on Sept. 24.

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