Community Update | May 7, 2025
“Institutions may help us, but they will never save us. We save each other.
In solidarity.
In community.
Together.”
-Message of Support at the Resilience Centre. Tuesday, May 6, 2025.
We have always shown up for one another, whether that be for our families, our friends or our neighbours across communities. In times of hardship, when systems have failed us, it’s been our shared experiences, resilience and care that have carried us through. That spirit of solidarity is why we launched the KAPWA STRONG Fund in partnership with the United Way BC. Donations will be used to support victims and others impacted by the tragic events that occurred on April 26, 2025. Charities, non-profits and community organizations can apply now for up to $25,000 in funding for eligible initiatives, including:
Immediate to mid-term recovery provision, and strategic ongoing support for those impacted by this emergency
Healing supports as well as basic needs
Mental health and counselling support
Opportunities for community members to grieve
Community-led events
Groups can contact United Way for any questions or support on the grant application process. Resources are in the works to support those submitting grants.
The temporary Resilience Centre at Killarney Secondary School had around 50 people visit on Wednesday night, including several families, children and individuals who also attended the Centre on Tuesday. The families have told us that the simple act of getting out of the house and sharing a meal with those who have also been impacted has lifted their spirits. Please note that folks are welcome to attend more than one day of the Resilience Centre. The centre is here for you. Counsellors, social workers and crisis response staff from the Provincial Health Authority, the Canadian Red Cross and the Foundry provided extra support to visitors.
Thank you to Jollibee for donating meals for visitors and providing a sense of comfort, home and community to many who are grieving and struggling to cope in the wake of a heartbreaking tragedy. Chef TJ Conwi, Cyril De Ramos, and the volunteers of the Vancouver Filipino Meal Trains provided Filipino food staples like Adobo, Spaghetti and Sinigang. There was no short supply of rice either. Food and nourishment are an essential part of not only healing and community but also comfort and connection. Food at our volunteer debriefs has also been provided by Ba Le Deli and Bakery. Maraming salamat (Thank you very much) for showing up with food, love and solidarity.
We encourage volunteers who couldn’t make Tuesday’s in-person debrief to join Filipino BC and a mental health worker from Provincial Health Services Authority for an online session on Thursday, May 8, from 3 PM to 6 PM. If you were a volunteer on Saturday, April 26, 2025, please RSVP to volunteers@filipinobc.com to receive information about how to join online.
Former Chief Justice Christopher Hinkson has been appointed to lead a review of safety measures for large public festivals in British Columbia. The review is part of the Commission of Inquiry into Community Events Safety, which will focus on improving public safety practices at community gatherings.
The commission will examine how events handle key safety aspects such as traffic management, the use of trained security and the coordination of first responders. The goal is to identify and recommend best practices across the province.
A final report is expected to be delivered to the provincial government by June 30. This review does not investigate any specific event and is separate from the public inquiry that Premier Eby said he would consider in the wake of the tragedy that occurred after the Lapu Lapu Day Festival.
