TOGETHER, WE ARE KAPWA STRONG

KAPWA & CARE

On April 26, 2025, an act of violence after the Lapu Lapu Day Festival in Vancouver claimed lives and left our community in mourning. Our hearts are with the families and all those affected as the Filipino Canadian community and beyond grieves this devastating loss.

KAPWA is a term that describes the Filipino experience of community, interconnectedness and shared humanity. Many Filipinos practice this value through solidarity, and we’ve seen this value extended across the overwhelming support from our broader communities.

In this time of sorrow, we come together not just to mourn, but to care for one another, to support the victims and their families, and to begin the long process of healing—together.

The Kapwa Centre for Community Resilience

Some days call for movement. Others, for stillness. This month, we’re holding space for both. Whether you’re looking to play, to rest, to grieve, or to reconnect—come as you are. We’ll meet you there.

All Kapwa Centre events are free, with more dates and details coming soon. Stay connected with Filipino BC for updates.

The Kapwa Centre offers:

  • A welcoming environment for reflection, rest, and community

  • Emotional and spiritual support from trusted professionals.

  • Wellness resources and referrals tailored to your needs

  • Opportunities to share what supports might help you moving forward

CURRENT PARTNERS

  • Emotional support to persons who may find this helpful. Support will include assistance in understanding emotional responses to traumatic events, ways for managing feelings of stress, loss and grief, and information about available resources and services.

  • Counsellors and pastoral care on site and organizing a live stream of the Mass on Friday.

  • Drinks, snacks, fruit etc. as well as emergency gift cards to impacted families to help with food, clothing and other incidentals. Also working with other agencies to provide emotional and spiritual support.

  • Psychosocial and wellbeing support to individuals, families, and community members affected by the event.

  • Providing comfort and emotional support through connection with Therapy Dogs and their handlers.

You are not alone.

There are many resources available in the community — whether you need immediate crisis support, mental health services, or practical assistance. You can explore all the resources available to you, and if you need help navigating the systems, please contact care@filipinobc.com.

What does the Filipino BC Care Team offer?

The Filipino BC Care Team is here for anyone affected by the tragic events of April 26—including our friends, neighbours, and loved ones beyond the Filipino community. Healing and recovery take time, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Please don’t hesitate to reach out for support.

  • It can be overwhelming searching for the right resources and trying to find out what you qualify for and what supports best suit your needs. Our Care Team is here to help you sort through these resources.

  • Free counselling services and healing circle events have been made available through the KAPWA STRONG Fund from South Vancouver Neighbourhood House, Multicultural Family Services, Kathara Society, Sher Vancouver and others.

  • Support to apply for food security funds, connecting with programs providing meal delivery services and gift cards for groceries.

  • Support will look different based on individual needs and how people were impacted by the tragedy. Let us know more about how we can support your recovery.

Support can include, but is not limited to:

TO REQUEST FOR SUPPORT

Simply email care@filipinobc.com. You’ll receive a link to a short form and a care worker will endeavour to connect with you within 48 hours to continue the intake process and understand your needs.

Case workers are available to speak English, Filipino and Spanish. Recovery and healing will take time, but it’s not something you have to go through alone. Please don’t hesitate to reach out for help.

STRENGTH IN KAPWA

All donations to the Kapwa Strong Fund will support the community through sustained recovery and essential needs, strengthen programs and services, and build a lasting legacy for future generations.

Our hearts are full seeing the community gather together.
Thank you so much to everyone for their incredible support!

For questions or inquiries:
For fundraising questions, please email kapwastrong@filipinobc.com.
For media inquiries, please email media@filipinobc.com.