Community Update | May 16, 2025
The Kapwa Centre for Community Resilience opened in South Vancouver, welcoming 80 guests to its new location at Christ City Church.
This space is for anyone who has been affected by the tragedy to come, rest, have a warm meal and gather with community members. Tonight’s visitors included families with children, older adults, people who live in the neighbourhood and folks who now regularly attend the Kapwa Centre. The Canadian Red Cross case manager who has been working with Filipino BC to support victims and their families was also on site. Counsellors, social workers, faith-based workers, and other support staff were also available to visitors who wanted to speak with someone about mental health, wellness and coping during this difficult time.
We’d like to thank Tessa and the Christ City Church for opening up their space for the Kapwa Centre and community members seeking connection and support during this difficult time. We’re also grateful to Chef TJ Conwi, Cyril De Ramos (who popped by today!) and the Vancouver Filipino Chef Meal Train for the warm meals it provided to guests.
We also ordered pizza from Pizza Factory on Fraser Street. When the site of the incident was still closed to the public, businesses along Fraser Street were forced to shut down. Many of these are family-run, mom-and-pop shops, small storefronts that are essential to the fabric of our neighbourhood.
If you have the means, please go out and support them. Your presence helps these businesses recover and reminds the community that we are not alone in this time of healing.
The Kapwa Centre is open this long weekend, feel free to drop by or stay the whole time:
Saturday, May 17 - 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM
Monday, May 19 - 5 PM to 8 PM.
Filipino BC also reviewed the City of Vancouver and Vancouver Police Department’s preliminary report for the Joint Review of Outdoor Special Events Planning and Safety. The report reiterates what the City and VPD have noted since the tragic events of April 26 – that a thorough risk assessment was conducted with Filipino BC leading up to the Lapu Lapu Day Festival. The review also notes that a dedicated police presence was not recommended, and organizers met all requirements, including having a designated space for emergency responders to quickly mobilize should an issue arise. We look forward to learning more about what potential measures may be required for all future events in Vancouver when the final report is released in August.
