ELORA – After vowing to go after Facebook commenters who have defamed or libelled the business, its owners and their family, Kat Florence Canada has started a fund to help others in the same boat.
Owner Don Kogen announced on Feb. 19 the company was putting on hold a number of initiatives it had planned in Elora in order to take on online bullies.
Within days of the announcement, one Facebook page had shut down, another had “cleaned itself up,” Kogen said, and a third had just been served.
There may still be legal challenges on that front, “and our lawyers will deal with that,” Kogen said, but he’s confident the personal threats are over for him, his wife Kristy Hillis and their family.
And now Kat Florence has started a fund to help others in Centre Wellington who are being bullied online and it has also created a reporting tool for local residents and businesses.
“Once the trolls scatter, they will find someone else to pick on,” Kogen said.
“We want to support people who don’t have the means to defend themselves in court. If you are struggling, we have a solution for that.”
To that end, Kat Florence is donating $500,000 to cover legal fees associated with combating online bullying, Kogen said.
“This initiative is designed to hold accountable those who engage in online bullying against anyone in Center Wellington, as well as the platform administrators who allow it, individuals supporting and promoting this behaviour online,” he stated in an email.
“Freedom of speech is essential, but bullying and harassment are unacceptable.
“We are calling upon all community members who witness or experience repetitive online bullying to … document these incidents.”
Kat Florence has created an email account to report such activity – stopbullyingcw@gmail.com – where screenshots and other evidence can be sent.
A cybersecurity specialist will track down anonymous accounts, and then all perpetrators will be pursued legally through a partnership between Kat Florence and local firm SV Law.
“This initiative addresses the often-prohibitive costs associated with legal action against bullies, ensuring victims are supported and perpetrators face consequences,” Kogen said.
He noted one in four children and adults, and one in six small businesses face online harassment, which can lead to depression, anxiety and, in some cases, suicide.
Kogen said he understands he can’t change the world – and perhaps can’t even change Centre Wellington.
But it’s important enough, pervasive enough, and the consequences of online bullying are dire enough, he said, that Kat Florence is prepared to take a stand.
“Let us unite against online hate in Centre Wellington, ensuring the mental well-being of all community members,” he stated in his email.
“(Community) support is essential in turning the tide against this pervasive problem. Together, we can make a significant difference.”
