Community rallies around those affected by Lapu-Lapu Day tragedy
Over $1.5 million raised for victims, their families
Days after 11 people were killed and dozens of others were injured at Vancouver's Lapu-Lapu Day festival, those affected and their families have received an outpouring of support from the community.
Be it through monetary donations, blood donations, providing services, or just offering a listening ear, community members say the response has been overwhelming.
"I'm deeply humbled and grateful that the Filipino community has so many friends," R.J. Aquino, chair of Filipino B.C. and organizer of the Lapu-Lapu Day festival, said at a Sunday evening vigil.
"A lot of us are still numb."
On Saturday evening, as the festival was wrapping up in the area of Fraser Street and East 43rd Avenue, an SUV was driven into a crowd of people. Those killed ranged in age from five to 65.
A 30-year-old Vancouver man has since been charged with eight counts of second-degree murder.
Hundreds have gathered at vigils in Vancouver and across Canada in the days since, with attendees offering gifts, prayers, and a sense of community.
As of Tuesday morning, more than $1.5 million had been raised across eight verified online fundraisers for victims of the tragedy. Almost all had surpassed their goal at the time of publishing.
Toan Le started an online fundraiser for his 16-year-old nephew, Andy, who lost three family members in the attack: his father, step-mother, and younger sister.
At the time of publishing, the campaign had raised more than $500,000.
"The support from the community is tremendous," said Le, adding he did not anticipate the amount that was raised.
"I just can't say enough."
Meals for the community
T.J. Conwi is offering support in what he said is a very Filipino way.
The local chef and owner of Ono Vancouver has rallied dozens of chefs and volunteers to help cook and deliver meals to those affected by the attack.
"For Filipinos, it always starts and ends with food," Conwi said. "I would love to get rid of that headache to try to get meals."
Conwi said he already ran a community meal program out of his catering company, providing food for several charities each week.
Now, he is creating a food hub specifically for families of victims and anyone else in need of meals in the aftermath of Saturday.
"This is the spirit that is instilled in me as a Filipino, is to be giving," Conwi said.
"To do it for my own community is a blessing."
He said the amount of interest he has received from other restaurants and those who are able to deliver food has been outstanding.
"We're just gearing up to be able to help more."
Cyril de Ramos is working with Conwi to coordinate the delivery of food and drinks. He said they are also delivering to workers who are caring for the victims.
"Hearing stories about nurses … they're Filipino. They're all talking about how they're being slammed right now," said de Ramos.
"We're all so tight knit, this ... is really impacting us around the world and Filipinos everywhere."
Canadian Blood Services said in a Sunday statement that appointments around Vancouver over the next few weeks filled up rapidly following the tragedy.
Charmaine Charity, a local health-care worker, is organizing a group blood donation with family and friends and encouraged others to do the same.
"This is something that we can all do if we are physically able," said Charity. "By organizing this afterwards we're helping restore what has been lost."
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
