ELORA – A local benefactor is halting support of Elora projects to go after online bullies.
In two emails obtained by The Grand at 101 that were sent out to the Elora business community and township staff this week, Don Kogen, the husband of Kristy Hillis, who owns Kat Florence Canada says they have recently become the targets of bullying and defamation on social media platforms, which in the email Kogan says “has unfortunately escalated to a point where we feel compelled to take action.”
Kogen says “We are embarking on a landmark legal journey to tackle this problem head-on—a journey that many in our community might not have the resources to undertake.”
“Online bullying is an unfortunate reality in our schools, towns, and communities, often leading to serious consequences like depression and, tragically, in many cases, suicide. My wife, Kat, and I have been pondering the profound impact such harassment can have, especially on small business owners who might find themselves targets of abuse.”
During this time he says they will be temporarily halting several public initiatives that they were planning to fund in Elora including:
- $42,000 for Green Space repair
- $300,000 for Christmas Lighting and all Grants
- $400,000 for Public Washrooms
- $1,500,000 Donation Trust Fund for infrastructure
- $70,000 Shuttle from Race Way
- $100,000 Green Space Garden Care
- $500,000 Marketing initiative
Additionally, Kogen says the $15,000 weekly Airbnb budget they have been providing for media will be halted, with services ending on February 23rd.
Kat Florence’s Christmas marketing campaign in December drew large crowds to Elora, sparking praise for the increase in business, but also criticism from claims of overcrowding, traffic, limited parking, and littering.
In response, Kat Florence Canada worked with the township and implemented measures to address concerns, including a shuttle bus, extra garbage collection, and increased OPP presence, to assist with traffic.
Meanwhile, Kogen says their focus is not only on the bullies themselves but also on the administrators who allow such behavior to persist.
“While freedom of speech is a fundamental right, it is crucial to draw a line where it becomes abuse and bullying. Those who initiate, participate in, or facilitate such behavior may find themselves facing significant legal expenses as a consequence,” Kogan said. “We believe in freedom of speech but also in responsibility and accountability, especially when public statements harm individuals or businesses. Based on our lawyers’ advice, we are pursuing legal action to address these defamatory actions and hold those responsible accountable,” he said in the email.
