How to support Vancouver's Filipino community after the Lapu Lapu festival tragedy
Following the tragic incident this past weekend that left nearly a dozen dead after Vancouver’s Lapu Lapu Day Filipino festival, there are many ways you can support the community.
Various resources have been launched for the Filipino community, including mental health assistance and support.
Additionally, various GoFundMe fundraisers have been launched to support victims and their families. Filipino BC has stated it will work to ensure accountability for all support resources it receives.
The Philippine Consulate also posted its Assistance-to-Nationals Hotline at 604-653-5858 and the Migrant Workers Office Hotline at 604-767-3354, located at the consulate.
Daniel Chai/Daily Hive
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Fundraisers
GoFundMe has released a list of fundraisers related to the Lapu Lapu Day tragedy, as verified by its Trust & Safety team.
Filipino BC and United Way BC have launched a donation fund, with 100 per cent of proceeds going directly to impacted communities.
Mabuhay House Society also posted a fundraising list created by Filipino Emergency Response, with “confirmed links to fundraising pages created by the impacted families.”
Mental health supports
Those who need mental health support can call the 310 Mental Health Line to connect to a B.C. crisis line. They can also call the VictimLinkBC toll-free for a confidential, multilingual service. All victims of crime across B.C. and the Yukon can receive information and referral services through the latter.
Filipino BC has opened a resilience centre for victims and those who need support.
Youth In BC and the Crisis Centre of B.C. provide online chat services for mental health support and crisis help from noon to 1 a.m. every day.
Several local mental health practitioners and counsellors are also offering services at a pro bono or reduced rate to support those affected.
Daniel Chai/Daily Hive
Blood donation
Canadian Blood Services announced that they are closely monitoring the needs of Vancouver hospitals and patients in the aftermath of the tragedy.
“We are moved that we have already experienced a strong show of support with most appointments in the Vancouver area already filled for this week,” added Canadian Blood Services in an announcement.
“However, many appointments are still available elsewhere in B.C. and across Canada. Also, donating in the weeks to come helps keep our national inventory strong into the future.”
People wishing to donate blood can make an appointment online or by calling 1-888-2-DONATE.
With files from Amir Ali