Crowdfunding and extortionate costs

[Honestopinion23]

I know that it's a travesty that women are having to bring these cases etc etc but I've just seen one GC feminist whose crowdfunding target is now £400,000, on top of a previous figure of £150k already raised. There are several other ones also asking for extremely high figures. I am just shocked that the costs could be so high (over half a million), even if the hearing is a lengthy one, and I worry that now cost of living is escalating that ordinary people won't be able to part with large amounts of cash. There's also something in me that says why should they have to. I know, I know, there is no obligation to donate but it makes me feel guilty reading the requests for funding. And I just feel a bit uncomfortable about the whole thing.
Hopefully JKR will swoop in and fund all of them!

@AlsoNotAGirl

In the last month I’ve contributed to Katie, Raquel, Shahrar, Emma and Allison’s fundraisers. There are many many good causes so ?i understand the desire to say surplus funds will go to a cause close to their heart but I would prefer to see all of these commit to any surplus funds/costs, if they are awarded, to go to another related crowdfunder.

I fund other charities separately to these legal crowdfunders and prefer to donate to them in a way where they can claim back gift aid.

We do need a central fund, whether it's an extension based out of the Centre for Women's Justice or wherever.

www.centreforwomensjustice.org.uk/

I've been giving this some thought in the past couple of days.
I have donated to both Raquel's and Allison's cases (possibly twice) but I really can't bring myself to give to Allison's again when any excess will be going to a charity who's CEO is very much part of the problem, rather than to other similar cases which I would be donating to.

If it comes to a situation like Raquel's where the money has already been spent but not raised I would reconsider.

I will donate again to Allison and others once I have been paid. Only small amounts but I will give what I can afford. I keep checking the totals going up. It’s wonderful to see so many contribute to these funds. Such brave women.

@EmbarrassingHadrosaurus I don't think there's going to be much going to Samaritans. She's updated her donate page :

All of the funds raised will be used exclusively to cover my legal fees for this case only (and any appeals that may be necessary). If, however, at the conclusion of this case, there are excess funds remaining, I will divide those funds equally between the gender critical crowdfunders active at the time, with anything left over going to Samaritans, a charity registered in England and Wales.

@EmbarrassingHadrosaurus I don't think there's going to be much going to Samaritans. She's updated her donate page

You possibly meant posters who've referred to Samaritan. I was advocating for a central legal fund in general: however, I'm pleased to see that any surplus will go to other active crowdfunders.

[quote eleanorwish]@EmbarrassingHadrosaurus I don't think there's going to be much going to Samaritans. She's updated her donate page :

All of the funds raised will be used exclusively to cover my legal fees for this case only (and any appeals that may be necessary). If, however, at the conclusion of this case, there are excess funds remaining, I will divide those funds equally between the gender critical crowdfunders active at the time, with anything left over going to Samaritans, a charity registered in England and Wales.[/quote]
That’s good news re Allison’s fundraising thanks eleanorwish

I agree with EmbarassingHadrosaurus we are reaching the stage where some centralisation of legal cases and funding would be useful.

I’m fully behind supporting charities but with many of us supporting the same set of legal challenges at present I’d much rather if there’s a surplus of funds for one it went to another.

Yes, my mistake, EmbarrassingHadrosaurus. I must have missed that you were quoting someone else.
I agree about the central fund.

I like to splash out a bit at Easter on nice food and few gifts. I shall be toning it down from my normal this year as I figure this will do more for the whole family in terms of a future civil society to live in. Just have to wait a week until my money's in my account....

Thanks eleanorwish (and Allison) for that update. I will donate again.
This is a very important case for all of us.

I am concerned about Raquel's case, which may (or may not) be less constitutionally important but sets a chilling precedent if she ends up having to find tens of thousands of £ herself after the fact, having gone ahead on a wave of support for a crowdfunded challenge.

That would be a huge win for the bullies even if the legal case is won, and would certainly disuade others from seeking justice.

Is it possible that costs would be awarded (in either direction)?

Thanks op, this thread was a good reminder to donate to Allison and Raquel’s crowdfunders.

Best of luck to both of them.

I've donated again instead of buying easter eggs, when my granddaughters are older they'll understand and thank me for saving their safe spaces

I just donated another spadeful to Raquel and checked my accounting software. I've donated over £750 in the last two years. Crikey.

@Chipchocmint

I've donated again instead of buying easter eggs, when my granddaughters are older they'll understand and thank me for saving their safe spaces

That's a great idea as this cause is a lot more important than chocolate!

Raquel’s crowdfunder only has 15 hours to go and still needs lots of help! Fingers crossed for her as it must be awful to have such a huge financial worry, especially as extra costs were generated by Bristol’s deliberate creation of extra work for her lawyers.

@AnnieLou12

Raquel’s crowdfunder only has 15 hours to go and still needs lots of help! Fingers crossed for her as it must be awful to have such a huge financial worry, especially as extra costs were generated by Bristol’s deliberate creation of extra work for her lawyers.

Thanks for the reminder, have just dug again for Raquel.

I've donated again. Listening to Grace Lavery on Woman's Hour made me do it.

@CriticalCondition

I've donated again. Listening to Grace Lavery on Woman's Hour made me do it.

Actually that's a great idea, lets all thank Grace by donating today in Grace's name

😁