BURST
Less than a year after an SUV driver killed 11 people at a Filipino community festival in southwest Vancouver, organizers are planning to bring the two-day celebration back — this time at a more secure venue, with enhanced security and a renewed emphasis on healing.
Filipino B.C.’s third-annual Lapu Lapu Day festival is planned for April 18 to 19 at the Italian Cultural Centre. Last year, the event was held outdoors near John Oliver Secondary School when the vehicle drove into the crowd, killing nearly a dozen people and injuring dozens more.
The April dates were chosen to fall one week before the first anniversary of the tragedy, “allowing space for memorial events and reflection to take place separately, while still providing a space for community togetherness,” according to a sponsorship proposal Filipino B.C. emailed to supporters this week.
Filipino B.C. is currently seeking sponsors, with packages ranging from $2,500 for a “friend” level, $15,000 for a “hero” sponsor, up to $100,000 for a title sponsor.
“Your generosity will help cover the essential needs of the event, including operations and execution, ensuring it runs smoothly and safely,” reads a promotional graphic in the sponsorship proposal.
Some victims and their families say the festival is returning too soon.
“Hosting this event at this time is very disrespectful; it shows no respect for all the families and the victims who are still mourning, grieving and suffering. It is no time to celebrate,” said Jhosie Sico, whose son suffered a traumatic brain injury in the attack.
Sico’s son remains unable to walk or work, and his mother, a retired care aide, spends most days at his bedside at a long-term care facility in South Vancouver.
But the organization’s festival planning committee said in its sponsorship proposal that the event is being shaped “with care, intention, and ongoing dialogue” with community members, including those directly impacted by last year’s attack. On-site mental health supports will be available.
“Day 1, we’ll gather for a community festival featuring food vendors, community and local business partners, family-friendly activities and performances by local artists,” reads the proposal.
“Day 2, will focus on a benefit concert on the main stage, with proceeds directed toward a Canadian Red Cross appeal to support individuals and families impacted by last year’s tragedy.” Its tentative lineup of performers includes J. Rey Soul from the U.S. hip-hop group, Black Eyed Peas, along with Ruby Ibarra, Jeremy Passion, RUSSELL! and Talilo Marfil.
Filipino B.C. said the April dates were chosen to fall one week before the first anniversary.
“This timing allows space for memorial events and reflection to take place separately, while still providing a space for community togetherness,” the proposal reads.
Organizers say the grounds of the Italian Cultural Centre in east Vancouver provide both practical and symbolic reassurance: the venue allows for controlled entry and exit points, while still accommodating performances, vendors and community programming.
Security planning is being co-ordinated with the City of Vancouver, the province and first responders. EventLAB is leading event production and safety, while Genesis Security will provide trained personnel, controlled access and handle co-ordination with first responders.
Meanwhile, four former Filipino B.C. board members have called for an independent review of how $1.5 million raised for the Kapwa Strong Fund after the tragedy was spent.
Temporarily managed by United Way B.C., $1.57 million was raised from public and private donors in the span of several months, with $1.5 million distributed as grants to 40 non-profit and charitable organizations as of December. About $451,570 of the Kapwa Strong Fund went directly to Filipino B.C., as specified by donors.
The Kapwa Strong Fund is now with the Vancouver Foundation, as a long-term endowment fund managed by Filipino B.C. to directly fund its programs, services and operations.
This month, Filipino B.C. declined to provide a breakdown of how Filipino B.C. used donations from the Kapwa Strong Fund to Postmedia, saying “a detailed breakdown of expenditures and allocations will be provided in our annual report.” It has not said when it will be ready.