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.

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.

Kapwa Strong Fund

Together, we are KAPWA STRONG.

On April 26th, our community faced a heartbreaking tragedy. In the midst of sorrow, we came together—not only to grieve, but to care for one another and begin the journey of healing.

We are proud to announce that the Kapwa Strong Fund has become a long-term endowment, dedicated to supporting the Filipino community for generations to come. All donations to the Kapwa Strong Fund will be stewarded by Filipino BC, ensuring they directly fund our programs, services, and operations. Your generosity allows Filipino BC to continue leading ongoing recovery efforts, providing:

  • Healing supports and basic needs

  • Mental health and counselling services

  • Community-led events that foster solidarity and resilience

  • Programs to meet emerging needs

We are creating a lasting legacy—one that ensures Filipino BC has the resources to sustain recovery, strengthen community, and support future generations.

At the heart of this is Kapwa—the Filipino value of shared humanity. With your support, we remain KAPWA STRONG, today and for years to come.

  • Right after the tragedy, the United Way Kapwa Strong Fund was launched to respond to urgent, immediate needs. That fund has now closed, and United Way has distributed 100% of the $2 million raised to more than 40 charities and non-profits that stepped in during the emergency and early recovery.

    The Kapwa Strong Fund Endowment is a new and separate fund. It lives at the Vancouver Foundation and is focused on long-term healing, resilience, and capacity—helping the community not only today, but also in the years ahead.

  • The Kapwa Strong Fund Endowment builds on the foundation of the Kapwa Strong Fund with United Way, which provided critical emergency and recovery funding in response to the events of April 26. That fund showed the power of community when resources are made available — sustaining recovery and supporting the Filipino and broader community in a time of great need.

    Now, the endowment will sustain the existing programs and operations of Filipino BC and, in the future, help create and fund new community programs.

  • An endowment is like planting a tree. The seed—the donations—are cared for and invested so that the tree can grow strong. Instead of cutting down the tree, we gather its fruit each year. Those fruits are then used to support the community: healing programs, mental health supports, events that bring us together, and services for those in need. This way, the original gift is never lost, and it keeps providing nourishment for generations.

  • The endowment was launched on Monday, Sept. 8, 2025 with the Vancouver Foundation. This means there have not yet been any public contributions. We will share updates openly as fundraising begins, so the community can see how the fund grows.

  • These partners were chosen because they are trusted organizations with experience in stewarding funds responsibly and with transparency. We want to make sure the community’s trust is honoured, and that reporting is always publicly available.

  • Transparency is central to this work. Regular public reporting will be provided, and we will also share updates in community spaces and through our networks so that information is easy to access.

  • The endowment is about care that lasts. It is designed to provide ongoing resources for healing, recovery, and community-led initiatives—not just now, but for future generations. It recognizes that trauma and recovery are not short-term, and that our community deserves stable, ongoing support.

  • You can donate directly through the Vancouver Foundation’s Kapwa Strong Fund page:

    https://give.vancouverfoundation.ca/s/kapwa-strong

    You can also stay connected with Filipino BC for updates, events, and opportunities to get involved.

Understand the Kapwa Strong Fund Endowment (Frequently Asked Questions)

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.