Community Update | April 30, 2025
Filipino BC is opening a temporary Resilience Centre to support the community following the tragic incident that took place at the Lapu Lapu Day Festival. The Centre is a gathering space for community members to come together, connect, and access wellness and coping supports from a variety of faith-based, non-profit, and government agencies.
Wellness resources will be available, and helping professionals will be on hand if you would like to speak with someone. This will also be a chance to listen and learn about what other supports may be most helpful to you in the days and weeks to come. The supports available will be through the Provincial Psychosocial Services (Provincial Health Services Authority), the Archdiocese of Vancouver, Salvation Army, and the Canadian Red Cross.
The Vancouver Police Department has confirmed 11 people have lost their lives. Their ages range from five to 65. As more information becomes available, we expect that number will rise. Seven people were women, two were men, one person was non-binary, and one person was a five-year-old. Five people are in critical condition in the hospital, and one person is in serious condition.
We recognize that the impact of this tragedy extends beyond the Filipino community. Guided by the value of KAPWA—our shared humanity—we reaffirm our deep commitment to caring for all who are affected, within and beyond our community.
Filipino BC and United Way BC have launched a donation fund to support impacted community members. 100% of proceeds will go directly to impacted communities.
The Vancouver Police Department now has a Community Support Centre at E 43rd Ave & Fraser St., which will be open daily from 12–8 p.m. to help those affected.
Memorials:
Friday – 5:10 PM Holy Rosary Cathedral
Saturday – 9:00 AM Immaculate Conception
Saturday – 11:30 AM St. Andrew’s Catholic Church
The Archdiocese of Vancouver has launched a special appeal to provide critical support for victims and their families. Your gift will help meet immediate needs and ensure that ongoing healing and outreach services are available in the weeks and months ahead. https://support.rcav.org/lapu-lapu-filipino-festival-support/
They have also put together spiritual, faith-based care resources: https://rcav.org/lapu-lapu
