United Way BC is collecting donations to support Lapu Lapu Day tragedy victims

The non-profit United Way British Columbia (UWBC) is accepting donations for its Kapwa Strong Fund, which it launched to support the victims and all those impacted from the Lapu Lapu Day tragedy in Vancouver. 

On April 26, a black SUV rammed through a crowded street filled with festival-goers in South Vancouver during a Lapu Lapu Day event dedicated to celebrating Filipino culture. Eleven people, ranging from five to 65 years old, were killed and about 30 others were injured.

The fund raised just over $1.4 million, says Kim Winchell, chief program and impact officer at UWBC, adding that the funds will support affected individuals and their families directly.

The support includes covering basic needs such as gas, meals, accommodation, among others, as well as any burial expenses. The Kapwa Fund also supports non-profit organizations that help affected individuals with mental health counselling, opportunities to come together through community vigils, art and play therapies, and more.

“The fund has already been supporting and will continue to support,” Winchell says. “Based on our experience, healing and grieving don’t end in a few months, recovery and resiliency will take many years to come, and so this fund will support all of that still to come.”

United Way provides resources in case of crises such as wildfires, floods, tragedies, and other emergency situations through volunteers, donors, partners, and supporting agencies. 

“We had corporate partners reach out to ask if they could donate dollars to support those people who have been affected — and we said absolutely,” Winchell says. “So the first thing we did was we reached out to the Filipino community to see what was needed.”

UWBC worked together with Filipino BC and other Filipino-led organizations in Vancouver to determine the needs, Winchell says, adding they started the fundraising immediately afterwards.

“People across the province and beyond have just been very generous as have corporations,” Winchell says. “It’s something we always do. We step in and we support those that are affected by these tragedies.”

Winchell hopes the Kapwa Fund will help those directly affected not to worry about their day-to-day expenses and instead focus on grieving and healing. 

“The second thing we want is to have an impact. People that have been affected … can have access to supports, to counselling, [and] to community to help them through this time — and that is free and accessible when they need it.”

Winchell adds the fund also aims to help with resiliency for the Filipino community. The Kapwa Fund will be open as long as people want to donate. 

Non-profit organizations can also apply for an ongoing grant through UWBC that supports immediate to mid-term recovery provision, healing supports, mental health and counselling support, opportunities for community members to grieve, and community-led events, the non-profit’s website reads. 

Those who need individual support can call 211, which will put them in touch with specific services. 

“United Way BC is waiving the administration fee in order to ensure that all monies collected and donated go to those that need them,” Winchell says. “Whatever people can contribute is appreciated.”

For more information and to donate, visit www.uwbc.ca/lapu.