Community Update | May 20, 2025
As we’ve worked to lay the foundation for more stable, long-term care for those who have been impacted by the tragic events that occurred on April 26, Filipino BC is moving from the relief to the recovery phase. We are still addressing the immediate needs of victims, families and those affected. However, we have a baseline of support in place to build on and adjust depending on people’s evolving needs.
Three families have started the financial support process with the Canadian Red Cross case manager who’s working alongside Filipino BC. We anticipate that these households will receive their one-time lump sum support payments as early as this week. The case manager is working with the Vancouver Police Department’s Victims Services Unit to connect with more individuals and families. Our case manager has also extended her stay in Vancouver to May 31 and will continue to be available virtually on an ongoing basis.
If you were injured and hospitalized, or had a loved one who passed away due to the events of April 26, you may qualify for Canadian Red Cross assistance. To connect with a case manager, email lapulapu@redcross.ca.
The Red Cross provides the following services:
Financial support to help families of those injured and deceased
Support navigating available resources and information
Referrals to relevant local services
Psychosocial and well-being support
Assisting with applications for death benefits or other financial support
Legal support with estate issues
Financial advisement with estate settling.
The case manager is also available to speak in-person to people who were hospitalized or had a loved one pass away. She will be on site at the Kapwa Centre for Community Resilience at 5887 Prince Edward St. in South Vancouver on the following dates:
Friday, May 23 - 5 PM to 8 PM
Saturday, May 24 - 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM
Tuesday, May 27 - 5 PM to 8 PM
Friday, May 30 - 5 PM to 8 PM
Saturday, May 31 - 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM
Lastly, the Joint Task Force that we convened with stakeholders, including the City of Vancouver, VPD Victim’s Services, United Way BC and others, has transitioned to bi-weekly meetings as several organizations are tasked with specific areas of support. To coincide with this change, our community updates will move from daily bulletins to posts three times a week (Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays).
Thank you for staying up-to-date and spreading the word about our work and services. We hope that you continue to share information with those who need it and reach out if you’re ready for support.
