Community Update | May 10, 2025
We would like to say thank you to Lele and Allan Chan, who hosted the Filipino BC team at Tahanan Studio. Amidst the heartbreak and around-the-clock crisis response, it’s easy to forget to take care of your mind and body. They reminded us of the importance of gathering to rest, have dinner and share laughs with friends. Thank you to Strength Through Motion for providing RMT services. Tahanan Studio has been hosting a Community Lamay, a gathering to sit with grief and honour life through presence, prayer and food – and it’s just one of the many examples of community members making space available for healing. We’re deeply grateful to all those who nourished our community during this time. Food was generously provided by Lunch Lady, Street Hawker & Potluck, and Cake It Easy. Thank you to Independent Jewish Voices for sharing meals from Tamam: Fine Palestinian Cuisine, a meaningful gesture of solidarity. We’d also like to thank Natasha Neale for the thoughtful treats—Lee’s Donuts, kutsinta, and ice cream—as well as Lavish Liquid for providing beverages.
Support continues to pour in for the victims and those affected by the tragedy that occurred on April 26, 2025. We are grateful to the Government of Manitoba, which announced it will match donations up to $50,000 for the KAPWA STRONG Fund, an initiative launched by the United Way of BC and Filipino BC. The commitment comes after a partnership between the provincial government and Winnipeg’s Jewish community.
In a statement released today, the province said, “Manitoba values our Filipino community, some of whom care for our children, our elders and the sick. It’s our turn to care for them as they begin to rebuild following this tragedy.” The Jewish Federation of Winnipeg said Manitoba’s Filipino and Jewish communities have a long history of collaboration.
We continue to encourage charities, non-profits and community organizations to apply for up to $25,000 in grants through the KAPWA STRONG Fund, which supports community-led recovery efforts like:
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
So far, the KAPWA STRONG Fund has raised $640,000. This week, $15,000 was dispersed for emergency needs such as temporary housing, transportation, and ICU support through gift cards. Next week, $140,000 in grants will be distributed to non-profits, community organizations and charities. We remain committed to transparency and will continue to provide regular updates on how funds are raised, allocated, and used to support those impacted.
Additionally, the Archdiocese of Vancouver has launched a grant (link in bio) for individuals and families to cover costs like:
Mental health and counselling
Medical expenses
Food security
Funeral/burial expenses at Gardens of Gethsemane
