Donations flow in support victims of Lapu-Lapu Day tragedy

Community organizers say the outpouring of donations for victims of the Lapu-Lapu Day tragedy in Vancouver means support will be able to continue for months to come.

Since the events of the vehicle-ramming at a Filipino street festival that killed 11 people and injured dozens more, several fundraisers have been set up to support the many victims and the families of victims.

In a little over three weeks, independent GoFundMe pages for the victims have raised over $3.2 million.

Meanwhile, Filipino BC and United Way BC have raised nearly $700,000.

Filipino BC Chair RJ Aquino says it’s been uplifting to see the level of support from all over.

“A lot of people’s lives have been changed permanently, and a lot of these donations will go a long way to meet immediate needs,” said Aquino.

Of the $700,00, $150,000 has already been given to the victims and their families in the form of gift cards for necessities, money for travel and accommodations, childcare and helping some pay bills while they’re unable to work.

Kristi Rintoul with United Way BC says it’s helping to offer community events and mental health supports, and counselling.

“We’ve got some really interesting work that’s happening with local neighbourhood associations that are working directly in partnership with schools to provide like art therapy and outdoor therapy,” said Rintoul.

But the organizations say this isn’t a short-term response. Donations are still being accepted, and the groups expect to keep offering support for the next year.

“We know that trauma is not just something that happens in the days and weeks after an event, and that folks feel things differently, and it may show up for them in months to years afterwards,” said Rintoul.

Over the long term, Rintoul says the money will go to groups providing continued counselling and support.