A popular local Facebook group is shutting down following claims of incessant online harassment.
Take A Hike Vancouver Island is an online group aimed at sharing hiking destinations and tips.
With more than 42,000 group members (and the odd car decal around town), it developed into a digital west coast staple.
However, on Thursday administrator Brandi McCallum said that “This page/group has broken me once more. This time, to a point of no return.”
| Part of the post pt forward by Take a Hike Victoria administrator Brandi McCallum explains why the popular group is shutting down (Facebook) |
On a lengthy post McCallum said she has been dealing with angry private messages, comments, and online harassment from other groups and people.
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“Do you know how many tears I’ve shed due to cruel comments I‘ve received, my character being defamed, people online yelling at me, calling me names, threatening to sue me, and most recently, someone telling me ‘it’s only going to get worse,’” McCallum said. “Do you know that I haven’t slept in two days and have only cried? That my beautiful 5-year-old son keeps asking me ‘mommy what is wrong?’”
McCallum asked group members to take a screenshot of anything they’d like to keep, as the page will be deleted shortly.
Group advocates have already created a “Take a Hike Vancouver Island #2” closed group on Friday, which already has more than 370 members.
