Opening Our Hearts

Ways to support the Filipino community after weekend's tragedy

The local Filipino community is reeling in the wake of the devastation created when a vehicle drove through a large crowd of people at the Lapu Lapu street festival in downtown Vancouver this past weekend.

The toll currently stands at 11 dead and dozens injured, in what acting Vancouver Police Department (VPD) Chief Steve Rai called "the darkest day in our city's history".

Filipino BC has released a statement that they are "focusing on community right now" as people process the tragedy.

Lions Bay has long connections with the Filipino community, through businesses, co-workers and friends. Those interested in offering financial support can do so at a GoFundMe page. Phil Chou, one of the organizers, says they want to do what they can to help those in need.

"We have many close friends that are in the Filipino community," he said in answer to questions from The Watershed. "I think it's important for people to know that everyone that has supported and donated are from different organizations, communities in Vancouver uniting as one to show strength, love and support for those that in need the most at this dark times."

Pinoy Pride, a social and support group for the Filipino LGBTQ+ community, stated Sunday that "a group of local Filipinos in Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley are coming together to support folks who are impacted by (the) tragedy in Vancouver at the Lapu Lapu Day Festival." They are directing people who want to help HERE, to address the specific needs of families experiencing this tragic loss.

For those able to offer support in other ways, a grassroots local group has put together a form to organize childcare, elder care, cooking or other volunteer efforts, which can be found HERE.

Edited to add:

The Greater Vancouver Realtors (GVR) Estate have also created a Go Fund Me for Andy Le, whose family died in the attack, and whose father was an agent with Royal Pacific Realty in Vancouver. Andy stayed home to finish his homework rather than attending the event at which his father, step-mother and sister died.

The Watershed values your opinion.

Share your thoughts below, or email editor@lionsbaywatershed.ca

Like what you're reading?

For as little as $5/month, you can support local independent journalism

by subscribing to The Watershed HERE.