My name is Don Palmer and this is my first ever GoFundMe request. I am asking for funds to be collected by myself for delivery to a non-partisan citizens' initiative located in Ecuador called REDCANN.

REDCANN stands for "Red de Acción Cannábica" or the "Network of Cannabis Action." It is a grassroots organization peacefully petitioning the Ecuadorian Government for comprehensive, responsible legal reform relating to cannabis.

Presently, Ecuador has legal statutes authorizing the growth and consumption of non-intoxicating cannabis (CBD) as well as medical use of intoxicating cannabis by doctor's prescription. The problem is that there is no provision in Ecuadorian law for the production of intoxicating cannabis for medical use. Therefore, the options to fulfill a doctor's prescription is to either break the law by growing your own cannabis or buy the same cannabis from street-level drug dealers, both of which are highly problematic for law-abiding individuals who wish to treat illness with this plant.

REDCANN was organized in August 2024 by two Ecuadorian citizens who desired to rectify this misalignment in Ecuadorian statute. Since its inception, REDCANN, as a popular non-profit movement, has collected 16,800 signatures as a volunteer organization. This has involved thousands of hours of donated time on weekends and evenings.

In order to qualify for full Assembly consideration in Ecuador, a citizens' initiative must collect 0.25% of the total registered vote in Ecuador. That means approximately 34,800 total verified signatures are needed for qualification. As of this writing, the Ecuadorian government has audited each signature collected thus far and has confirmed as valid 11,134 signatures out of the 16,800 collected thus far, so there is more work to be done.

Accordingly, REDCANN is in need of an additional 35,000 signatures to qualify for a debate in the Ecuadorian assembly. Collecting this amount will enable enough leeway for a positive qualification.

THE BAD NEWS: Only 90 days are left to collect 35,000 signatures. REDCANN's volunteers are working diligently but need the help of paid signature collectors to gather all the signatures needed within the 3-month time limit.

THE GOOD NEWS: A little money goes a long way. Raising $8,000 to hire paid signature workers hires 5 signature gatherers for 90 days. Just these 5 workers gathering signatures full-time could tip the balance.

Will you join me in assisting REDCANN in this effort? Together we can help this dedicated group of civic-minded individuals who are only seeking a just and safe way to be able to meet their medical needs using plants instead of pills. I think it's not a lot to ask. How much can you chip in? REDCANN Webpage

NOTE: This is my first GoFundMe. My understanding is that for this to work, these funds have to come to me as a private individual in the United States. Thereafter, I will be responsible for transferring the funds to Ecuador. I am willing to pay the personal tax liability for the added income. I know many of the founders of this movement and vouch for their character. Because I travel to and from Ecuador regularly for work, I guarantee that our donation will be used for its intended purpose.

Thank you for your consideration.