Statement by Filipino BC

DECEMBER 5, 2025

Filipino BC is sharing this update to help address recent questions regarding our organization and the administration of community support funds. We offer this information with deep respect for everyone who has been affected, and with awareness of the pain, grief, and uncertainty many continue to carry.

We are not able to provide specific internal or client-level details, as these records are confidential and protected by legal and ethical requirements. When people reach out to social services for support, especially in crisis situations, they expect that information about themselves and their needs is kept private. What we can share is that since May of this year, Filipino BC has continued to provide ongoing, culturally grounded support to many clients through our Care Team and community programs.

We want to clarify how community donations were managed in response to the April 26th tragedy and during other emergency responses across Canada. Filipino BC chose to partner with United Way BC and the Canadian Red Cross because these organizations coordinate provincial and national disaster-related fundraising, fund distribution, and community supports across British Columbia and throughout the country—including during major crises such as annual wildfire responses and the 2020 Nova Scotia attacks. Both organizations have extensive expertise in delivering emergency and recovery services and are committed to working alongside communities throughout every stage of a crisis.

For this response effort, United Way BC issued grants to more than 40 nonprofit organizations—including social service agencies, Filipino organizations, and neighbourhood houses—while the Canadian Red Cross oversaw direct disbursements to victims, next of kin, and impacted families. Filipino BC did not participate in determining eligibility, selecting recipients, or making allocation decisions.

We recognize that with numerous organizations involved and various grants disbursed, it may not always be clear how funds were allocated or how individuals can access available supports. Information about United Way BC grant recipients and their programming can be found on their website and in their interim report. For details on eligibility, the granting matrix, distribution frameworks, or direct financial assistance, we encourage community members to contact the Canadian Red Cross or United Way BC directly. Details can also be found at:

United Way BC: https://uwbc.ca/lapu/

Canadian Red Cross: https://www.redcross.ca/ways-to-donate/donation-frequently-asked-questions

Please note that both organizations are governed by the same confidentiality, privacy, and information-management requirements as Filipino BC and therefore cannot disclose client-specific information; however, they are able to provide general information regarding the processes and principles that inform how funds are allocated and distributed during emergency and disaster response efforts.

Donations to the Filipino BC Designated Fund through United Way are donor-advised contributions, meaning donors intentionally chose to support the work of Filipino BC. As with all organizations funded through United Way BC, Filipino BC submitted detailed grant applications outlining our emergency and recovery activities, and we provide regular progress reports prior to each disbursement. Funding is released in stages based on these reports, rather than as a single lump-sum payment.

All funding received by Filipino BC is subject to CRA requirements and the same charitable oversight applied to all registered charities. While we cannot release confidential personal information, we can confirm that grant funding has supported temporary housing, emergency medical and dental care, medical equipment and assistive devices, mental health services, food security, transportation for victims and their families, rent, bills and other essential needs identified through case management. In addition, the Canadian Red Cross has provided lump-sum payments to victims and next of kin, while United Way BC has supported immediate and emerging needs through referrals from health authorities and Victims’ Services and by funding over 40 non-profits and charities offering emergency and recovery programs.

The Canadian Red Cross remains the only organization within this system that was authorized to provide direct financial assistance to victims and next of kin.

Filipino BC does not provide direct cash disbursements to individuals, as this is not permitted for charities under Canadian law. Instead, our supports are provided to individuals and families who are under the care of our Case Managers for needs that can be directly invoiced to the society or paid in accordance with standard financial controls. Anyone who requires assistance may contact our Care Team at care@filipinobc.com.

Long-term supports—including income replacement—are administered through designated agencies such as the Crime Victim Assistance Program (CVAP) and ICBC.

To date, the Filipino BC Care Team has supported 79 cases, including survivors, families, and witnesses of the April 26 tragedy—in addition to the over 600 individuals who have been served through the Kapwa Centre for Community Resilience and its ongoing programming.

We also want to acknowledge the emotional truth beneath many of the concerns raised by community members. We understand that some members of our community feel they have not received the support they need, and we recognize that for those who suffered deep loss, the events of that day leave a wound that may never close. We honour that grief, knowing that no statement or explanation can ever make up for what was lost.

Filipino BC will continue to provide all required financial disclosures in accordance with the law. Our fiscal year runs from April 1 to March 31, which means audited financial statements for the 2025 and 2026 fiscal years are not yet available.

We also confirm that all accounting and reporting for the newly established Kapwa Strong Endowment Fund are managed directly by the Vancouver Foundation under its established governance and financial stewardship practices. This endowment is completely separate and is not funded by any contributions raised through the United Way emergency fund.

United Way BC has already published an interim report on community funding allocations, and Filipino BC will be releasing an impact report in the near future.

We hope this update provides clarity while honouring the complexity, pain, and humanity of everyone affected. For additional information about granting criteria or distribution processes, we encourage the public to contact the Canadian Red Cross or United Way BC directly. Our commitment is to continue showing up for our community with care, transparency, and compassion.