Featured News: Filipino BC Launches Kapwa Strong Fund as Long-Term Endowment with Vancouver Foundation
SEPTEMBER 8, 2025
Filipino BC is proud to announce the transition of the Kapwa Strong Fund into a long-term endowment fund at Vancouver Foundation. This milestone ensures sustainable support for the Filipino community for generations to come.
The Kapwa Strong Fund was created in response to the heartbreaking tragedy on April 26, when our community came together not only to grieve, but to care for one another and begin the journey of healing. In the days that followed, United Way BC stepped forward to provide a trusted and accountable space for donations. Through the generosity of the community, a total of $2 million was raised. Their granting process has supported more than 40 charities and non-profits’ community initiatives, ensuring that immediate and urgent needs were met while recovery and resiliency grants will continue to strengthen the community for the long term. Filipino BC remains deeply grateful for their role in standing with the community during such a critical time.
“We were honoured to be trusted with fundraising by Filipino BC and the Filipino community when tragedy struck at the Lapu Lapu Day Festival”, said Michael McKnight, President & CEO of United Way BC. “United Way BC committed to granting 100% of the donations we received to help those who were impacted as they heal from trauma and grief. We remain dedicated to working with the community through the recovery process and grateful to gather around this beautiful community. We have been especially touched and humbled throughout this campaign by the support of our partners, donors, and community fundraisers who united to help those in need.”
As the community continues its journey from recovery toward resilience, Vancouver Foundation will now serve as a trusted partner in establishing the fund as a long-term endowment. A well-established leader in supporting healthy, vibrant, equitable, and inclusive communities across BC, Vancouver Foundation will help ensure that the Kapwa Strong Fund creates lasting impact by supporting projects that meet urgent needs today while also addressing the root causes of systemic issues. This transition positions the fund to provide ongoing support for programs, services, and initiatives that empower and strengthen the Filipino community well into the future.
“The tragic events of April 26 were met with an outpouring of generosity and compassion, and in the months that have followed, we have witnessed the remarkable unity, strength, and resilience of the Filipino community. Vancouver Foundation is proud to partner with Filipino BC in stewarding the Kapwa Strong Fund to advance their mission while helping the community continue to heal, rebuild, and thrive for generations to come” said Craig Hikida, Vancouver Foundation's Vice President of Donor Services.
“All donations to the Kapwa Strong Fund endowment will continue to be stewarded by Filipino BC to directly fund our programs, services, and operations,” said RJ Aquino, Board Chair of Filipino BC. “This important transition creates a lasting legacy—one that guarantees Filipino BC has the resources to sustain recovery, strengthen community, and support future generations.”
Through the Kapwa Strong Fund endowment, Filipino BC will continue leading recovery and community-strengthening initiatives, including:
Healing supports and basic needs
Mental health and counselling services
Community-led events that foster solidarity and resilience
Programs that respond to emerging needs
At the heart of this effort is Kapwa—the Filipino value of shared humanity. With the support of Vancouver Foundation, our donors, and our community, Filipino BC is committed to remaining KAPWA STRONG, today and for years to come.
Link to donation page: https://give.vancouverfoundation.ca/s/kapwa-strong
Learn more: https://filipinobc.com/kapwa-and-care#endowment
