Community Update l Sunday, June 1, 2025

When people experience a loss, they tend to try to hold to what they have. 

In the last several weeks, we’ve heard many people say they’re closer to their community than they’ve ever been. Even while mourning, many community members have not lost their appetite, their sense of humour or a step on the dancefloor. As June 1 marks Filipino Heritage Month, we want to thank every organizer, family member and friend who has made space for people to gather. 

Yesterday, Filipino BC joined the United Filipino Canadian Associations in British Columbia as they raised the Philippine flag, held a memorial for those who lost their lives and celebrated our heritage. Our team members also attended “One Cause. One Heart. One Kapwa.” organized by local realtors in support of the Canadian Red Cross Lapu Lapu Festival Appeal. This fund is made specifically for families who lost loved ones and people who were hospitalized. Several families have received financial support in the last three weeks, after the Red Cross deployed a case manager to work out of the Filipino BC office. This case manager will continue to support those directly affected as they identify emerging needs. 

Saturday, May 31, also marked the last day of the Kapwa Centre for Community Resilience before we temporarily pause three-day-a-week operations. While on hiatus, Filipino BC will be working behind the scenes to plan for what’s next. This is not the end of the Kapwa Centre, it’s a time for us to move forward thoughtfully and continue this kind of support for the foreseeable future. Thank you to Chef TJ Conwi, Cyril De Ramos, and all the volunteers at the meal train for the heartwarming mac and cheese, lumpia, bistek, chicken bbq, and of course, rice. Sweet treats were provided by Ate Diana at Cake It Easy. 

When we opened the Kapwa Centre in the wake of the April 26 tragedy, it was partly modelled on reception centres that are typically set up after natural disasters. We created a space rooted in care, connection and compassion so that no one had to carry their grief alone. 

Since then, a number of resources have become available for one-on-one support and group healing through the KAPWA STRONG Fund. Organizations including Kathara Society, Sher Vancouver, Moving Forward Family Services, Migrante BC and the South Vancouver Neighbourhood House are ready to support people. United Way BC regularly updates its page with the list of grant recipients to ensure transparency and accountability. 

The counsellors, social workers and support workers of the Provincial Health Services Authority, The Foundry, and others who regularly attended the Kapwa Centre, are still available. If you’re looking for help, you can explore the resources section of filipinobc.com, or call or text 211 for free support navigating these resources. 

The City of Vancouver has informed us that it has started refreshing the temporary memorial on 41st Ave. next to John Oliver Secondary School. Crews removed wilted flowers and made space for new items that may be added to the site. As a gentle reminder, please extinguish candles when you leave the site as a way to reduce the risk of fires that can be sparked easily during hotter temperatures. We recommend using flameless candles as an alternative. 

Filipino BC and the Archdiocese of Vancouver will be marking 40 Days of Mourning on Thursday, June 5 at 6 p.m. at St. Andrew’s Parish in South Vancouver. Filipino BC has notified the City that we expect more visitors to the memorial on this date, and City staff have told us that work at the site will be done before the 40-day mark.

This month, we encourage the community to rest, gather with loved ones and check on yourselves and others. We will continue to post fundraisers and community healing events throughout June. If you’re struggling, please know that you are not alone. Your community is reaching out and we hope you’re drawn to the light they’re offering.