United Way BC’s Kapwa Strong Fund

The Kapwa Strong Fund was intentionally designed to support medium- and long‑term recovery, which is where United Way BC plays its strongest and most appropriate role. 

United Way BC works across many community issues – from supporting seniors and food security to wildfire recovery and youth programs – by investing in organizations that are best positioned to support people directly.

In the aftermath of the Lapu Lapu Day tragedy, direct financial assistance for individuals was being provided through several channels, including government programs, insurance, and other fundraising platforms. United Way BC focused on supporting community-based programs and services that addressed longer-term healing and recovery needs identified by community leaders.

Our hearts remain with the families and everyone affected by the tragedy. In the immediate aftermath, our role was to work with trusted Filipino community leaders and organizations to understand what support was needed and how to deliver it responsibly.

Direct financial assistance to victims is being coordinated through several channels, including government programs, insurance, and victim services. Our role has been to support community recovery efforts that may not otherwise be funded, especially culturally grounded supports that the Filipino community itself identified as priorities.

We recognize that there has been confusion and frustration about how the fund was structured. Situations like the Lapu Lapu tragedy are complex, and they have prompted us to reflect on how emergency funds are communicated so expectations are clearer.

The Kapwa Strong Fund raised approximately $1.5 million, with an additional $450,000 in donor-directed contributions going directly to Filipino BC. 100% of the money we raised has gone to support the community.

Donations are directed to charities and community organizations that provide support, such as counselling, family programs and other recovery services.

Supports funded through the Kapwa Strong initiative include counselling, healing circles, shared storytelling, art-based therapy and youth and family programs. These approaches are widely recognized as evidence-based methods for supporting collective trauma recovery.

See our Report to learn more about how the funds were distributed and the community impact.

We always aim to listen to community when making decisions around how to best support needs.

Like other programs we run, there was a committee formed to help guide our Kapwa Strong fund. There were eight people on the committee; four were internal (representing United Way BC) and four external; the grant review committee included members of Vancouver’s Filipino community.

Those affected by the tragedy, their families, and Filipino community leaders were also consulted on the funding model and grant priorities. Much of this input came through conversations at the resiliency centre in the days following the event, where community members shared who they trusted, what supports they needed, and which organizations they wanted to see involved. We also engaged Filipino cultural leaders, community groups, and other trusted voices who were already supporting families, ensuring that the priorities reflected both immediate needs and culturally grounded perspectives.

After a traumatic event like this, recovery is not only financial, but also emotional and communal. Many of the people affected include children, families, and community members who witnessed or were deeply impacted by what happened.

The funding for creative and art-based healing programs came directly from conversations with Filipino community leaders and mental health professionals. These kinds of programs are widely used after traumatic events because they create safe, culturally meaningful spaces for people to process grief and trauma together.

Evidence shows that structured art therapy can reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and trauma, and improve emotional regulation and self-esteem, which are exactly the kinds of outcomes communities need to recover and move forward after a tragedy.

Supports like yoga, art therapy, and healing circles are evidence‑informed ways of helping people process trauma in their bodies and minds, reconnect with others, and rebuild a sense of safety and control, and they work alongside more traditional services such as counselling, case management, and financial or practical help.

We believe investing in community healing is an important and appropriate use of funds, especially when it is guided by the community itself and sits alongside more traditional supports like housing help, medical and dental care, counselling, and basic needs.

For all media inquiries please contact PR@uwbc.ca.

Anyone who has been impacted by this traumatic event can call or text VictimLinkBC for free, confidential support 24/7. Dial/Text 1-800-563-0808 or email 211-victimlinkbc@uwbc.ca. Please know you’re not alone. Reach out for resources.

For additional information about local community supports and services, please contact 211 British Columbia. Dial/Text 2-1-1 for free, confidential assistance in over 240+ languages. bc.211.ca

General inquiries: info@uwbc.ca

Questions around your donation/giving: giving@uwbc.ca

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