Support the Filipino community and those impacted by the tragedy at the Lapu Lapu Day Festival

Photo credit: Colin Smith with Anakbayan Victoria BC and BAYAN Canada

On Saturday, an act of violence following the Lapu-Lapu Day festival in Vancouver has claimed the lives of 11 people and injured dozens of others. Like many, we’re heartbroken by the event and our thoughts are with those directly impacted and their families.

As a community foundation, we believe in coming together in times of grief and standing in solidarity with those who are hurting. We are supporting Filipino BC and United Way BC to help raise money that will go toward immediate and long-term support for those who have been directly impacted by this tragedy. Donations raised will be used for mental health services, trauma counselling, essential needs (such as meal and gas vouchers), and organizing events for the community to connect and heal.

If you are able, we invite you to contribute and help us spread the word. Here is how you can help:

1. Donate to United Way BC’s Kapwa Strong Fund . 100% of your donation will help provide counselling and trauma services, and other critical support as the community grapples with and heals from this tragedy.
2. Give directly to Filipino BC. Your gift through this page will be used specifically to support Filipino BC’s work following the tragic events at Lapu Lapu. Filipino BC will be responsible for using these funds and they will spend it based on the needs of the community and those impacted.

For those impacted by the events following the Festival, visit Filipino BC to learn more about the Resiliency Centre where you can access wellness and coping supports and to learn how they are providing ongoing support to the community.

Together, we can offer meaningful help to those navigating unimaginable loss. Now more than ever, we must show that compassion and community care can carry us through even the hardest moments.

Thank you for standing with us.