After the government’s agreement to cover legal expenses incurred by VAdm. (ret’d) Mark Norman during his legal battles with the government over the last two years, Norman is now refunding money collected on GoFundMe.

A GoFundMe page was started by former Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) member Lee Hammond in early 2018 after Norman was denied assistance by the government to help cover his legal costs. Norman incurred the legal fees after becoming the target of an investigation into leaked government secrets.

Just one month after the GoFundMe page was created, the military community banded together to raise more than $50,000.

“I would like to especially thank Lee Hammond for his selfless and steadfast support in creating and administering the GoFundMe page. I will forever be indebted to him, and to you all for your kindness. I would also like to thank the team at GoFundMe for their tireless efforts administering this refund process,” Vice Admiral (ret’d) Mark Norman

VAdm. Norman was first suspended from the military in 2017 because he was accused of leaking classified government information.

This past May, the case was stayed by the court. Norman reached a settlement with the government, which the details were not disclosed. He also announced his retirement from the military shortly after.

Because the government agreed to cover Norman’s costs, the former Vice Chief of the Defence Staff is looking to refund the money raised on the GoFundMe page. Supporters and friends can ask for a refund by August 23.

For those not looking for a refund, Norman has decided to split the remaining money amongst three charities: Wounded Warriors, Support Our Troops and the Royal Canadian Navy Benevolent Fund.