Victoria/Fraser Valley – The Province of British Columbia has declared Friday, May 2, 2025, an official day of remembrance and mourning for the victims of the tragedy at the Lapu Lapu Day Festival in Vancouver on April 26, 2025.
Eleven people were killed and dozens more injured while celebrating Filipino culture and history in a senseless attack at the Lapu Lapu Day Festival in Vancouver. As people learn more about the victims, they are also learning that the victims’ loss is felt deeply across the province.
A phony GoFundMe page has been taken down and some $57,000 returned to donors after it was discovered that this was a scam.
In Chilliwack, Stand in Solidarity. Light for Lapu-Lapu where you are asked to join for a Candlelight Vigil to honor the victims of the Lapu-Lapu Festival tragedy.
Friday May 2 at 7 PM. Chilliwack Central Community Park. Wear white or light colors. Battery candles only.
“Together we will heal.”
- Anyone who witnessed or experienced trauma at the event is encouraged to access resources through the VPD Victim Services Unit: 604 717-3321 and VictimLinkBC: call or text 1 800 563-0808, or email 211-victimlinkbc@uwbc.ca to be connected to services that can help, including counselling resources. For details, visit: https://victimlinkbc.ca/
- ICBC supports are available for people who have been injured, as well as witnesses and the family members of those killed, including counselling. For more information, visit: https://icbc.com/about-icbc/newsroom/2025-04-27-lapu-lapu-tragedy
- B.C.’s crisis line at 310-6789 (no area code needed) is available for anyone who needs mental-health supports. Crisis lines provide immediate support in the moment, as well as connections to ongoing supports.
- Crime Victim Assistance Program benefits are available to victims, immediate family members and witnesses: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/justice/criminal-justice/bcs-criminal-justice-system/if-you-are-a-victim-of-a-crime/victim-of-crime/financial-assistance-benefits
- School districts are also taking action to support students, staff and families, including making more counsellors available. A list of resources has also been sent out to districts throughout the province to provide to students and their families looking for support.
- Supports are available for first responders and health-care workers who are on the front lines, and we encourage all workers to reach out to their employers and/or unions if they are struggling.
- BC Emergency Health Service’s (BCEHS) Critical Incident Management Stress team is providing mental-health and wellness support to employees who have been affected by these events in addition to the support provided by BCEHS leaders and supervisors.
- Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) staff and medical staff can contact the VCH Employee and Family Assistance Program to access confidential counselling and wellness any time, 24/7.
- Immediate and confidential services of Fraser Health Employee and Family Assistance Program are accessible 24/7/365 by calling 1 844 880-9142. Members of the traumatic-event support team are available to support by accessing the same toll-free number.
- Teams or individuals may also contact Fraser Health’s Critical Incident Stress Management team at 778 717-CISM.
