Vancouver's Lapu Lapu Day victims: Links, official contacts for support and donations
MANILA, Philippines — Both the Philippines and Canada are still reeling from the tragedy that occurred last April 27 during a street party celebrating the Filipino-Canadian community.
During the closing hours of the Lapu Lapu Day Festival in Vancouver, a vehice drove into crowds, resulting in at least 11 deaths and left more than two dozen injured.
Political leaders have released statements expressing sympathies and condemnation, including President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, King Charles III, Senate President Francis Escudero, and Senators Joel Villanueva, Grace Poe, and Risa Hontiveros.
The City of Vancouver has established a 24-hour assistance center in Douglas Park Community Center where police officers and Victim Services professionals can help those seeking information about loved ones who were at the event and have not yet been contacted.
BC Crisis line is offering emotional support, information on appropriate referral options, and other support relating to mental health concerns via its website and its local number 310-6789.
VictimLinkBC can provide information and referral services to all victims of crime and immediate crisis support to victims of family and sexual violence.
Related: Several killed, hurt after vehicle plows into Filipino festival in Vancouver
It is a toll-free, confidential, multi-lingual service (including Tagalog) available across British Columbia and the Yukon Territory 24 hours a day via email (VictimLinkBC@uwbc.ca) or local number 1-800-563-0808 via call or text.
The Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver released several phone numbers for Filipinos affected by the April 26 incident:
- Assistance-to-Nationals: 1-604-653-5858
- Migrant Workers' Office: 1-604-767-3354
The office also warned it has not created any fundraising efforts nor sanctioned any entities to raise funds on behalf of victims.
"The public is also advised to exercise vigilance and prudence to avoid being victimized by unscrupulous and malicious actors attempting to exploit this tragedy that has befallen the Filipino Community in British Columbia," the Philippine Consulate General added.
Families of overseas Filipinos in Western Canada, including Vancouver, can contact the Department of Migrant Workers - Overseas Workers Welfare Administration hotline 1348.
Related: What is Lapu-Lapu Day? Festival in Vancouver, Canada links to Filipinos in Cebu
The office can also be contacted via mobile (+63 919-067-3975), WhatsApp or Viber (+63 920-517-1059, +63 927-147-8186, +63 908-326-8344) and email (orcc@dmw.gov.ph).
Local cultural organization Mabuhay House Society said those needing support including counselling, meal train, financial, and child care are asked to fill out a Filipino Emergency Response - Request Form.
Grassroots organizers compiled a list of community resources and spaces/gatherings as well as fundraisers going directly to impacted families in one website.
Crowdfunding platform GoFundMe launched a centralized hub of verified fundraisers for those affected by the April 27 incident.
Crisis center chats, specifically for mental health, are available from noon to 1 a.m. (Canada time) for young persons and adults, while those in Canada wishing to donate blood can call Canadian Blood Services at 1-888-236-6283.
A condolence book has been set up in Victoria's Parliament Buildings - Hall of Honor for those in British Columbia wishing to give their condolences in writing. Such messages can also be sent via this online form.
RELATED: King Charles on Filipino festival attack: Dreadful, utterly tragic
