United Way’s distribution method criticized
Maple Bamboo Network Society returns $3000
Analysis
Teodoro ‘Ted’ Alcuitas
Editor, Philippine Canadian News
Revictimized and re-exploited – says expert
A charitable organization expert said the Lapulapu Festival tragedy victims were “revictimized or re-exploited” when United Way BC did not fulfill its promises, said Kate Bahen, managing director of Charities Intelligence Canada.
Bahen was interviewed by CBC News following the first year anniversary of the tragedy on April 26, 2025. A year after the tragic events of the Lapulapu Day Festival, controversy continues to haunt the community involving the distribution of funds donated for the tragedy.
CBC reports that over $5M were raised by various institutions and was managed and disbursed by United Way BC through its Kapwa Strong Fund. The bulk of these funds went to non-profit agencies for medium- to long-term recovery, trauma counselling, and community-building initiatives.
“[United Way B.C.] is a granting organization, yet that is in conflict with, when the tragedy happened, what it promised to do. It promised to meet the immediate needs of those impacted by the tragedy,” Bahen said.
She said charities must consult survivors on spending priorities after a tragedy.
United Way BC established and managed the Kapwa Strong Fund to support victims of the Lapu Lapu Day tragedy in Vancouver. They raised over $2 million and distributed the majority of the money to non-profit agencies for medium- to long-term recovery, trauma counseling, and community-building initiatives.
Cash has ‘far more impact’
United Way B.C. said it focused on long-term community healing because other platforms and government programs were already offering direct financial support to victims.
“That’s the gap that we filled, taking our cue from community leaders.”
But research has shown that money spent on short-term response has “far more impact,” Bahen said.
“The evidence clearly states that direct cash transfers to victims is the best way.”
But that is not the way it happened, according to several media interviews by survivor’s and victims families.
Families and survivors say too much of the money went to third-party organizations and community programs, rather than directly to the people injured or bereaved.
“Donations were made by the public in good faith, with the clear expectation that financial support would directly benefit victims and families,” wrote Vanessa Hill in a May 13 letter to United Way B.C. on behalf of survivors obtained by CBC.
Hill’s boyfriend, AJ Sico, suffered a traumatic brain injury and stroke and requires ongoing medical care. AJ’s cousin, Jendhel May Sico, was killed.
Hill questioned why most of the $1.65 million raised through United Way B.C.’s Kapwa Strong Fund was allocated to “intermediary organizations” rather than direct financial assistance for victims. Those grants supported initiatives such as mental health counselling, art therapy and revitalizing a basketball court.
“Many victims and families have not been contacted, consulted or meaningfully engaged by several of the organizations receiving and administering funds,” Hill wrote.
In their defense, United Way BC told CTV News that they ” are not the best the best set up to support financial contributions to people. We don’t have the information, we don’t have the skill set to identify what kinds of compensation would look like,” said United Way BC chief program and impact officer Kim Winchell.
“Our role is to support, and the way in which we support is through those caring, trusted non-profit organizations who are providing support to people who were impacted.”
President and CEO Michael McKnight defended the distribution of the $2-million Kapwa Strong Fund in a sit-down interview with Global News, stating that 100 per cent of donations went to community-based recovery initiatives as mandated by their 97-year history of disaster response, rather than direct cash payouts to individuals.
McKnight insists that United Way’s role is to support the broader community.
“What we tried to do, and again, this isn’t an incident that any of us have any experience with, but where we saw the immediate need, we tried to step in and help before these other systems kick in, whether health care, insurance, other kinds of organizations and supports that are outside of United Way’s role and mandate,” he told Global News.
“There are different organizations whose mandates are specific to addressing the needs of victims in tragic circumstances,” McKnight added.
“United Way’s rule, our expertise, our ability, is to support the broader community. It always has been. And that’s where our strength and our capacity and our knowledge is. We were never set up to help individuals during those types of tragic situations.” (Emphasis ours)
United Way BC struck a committee of eight people to decide the distribution of funds — four from United Way BC and four external members, “leaders in the Filipino community”. They refused to name the members of the committee citing privacy concerns.
“We worked with the Filipino community and the broader community to hear what they had to say about how people affected, that they directly work with day in, day out, might be best supported in that aftermath,” McKnight said.
“And, you know, everybody heals differently. So we were open to what the community told us, their clients, or the people in their organizations needed, and we worked to provide grants that fulfilled those needs that were identified.”
$5M raised
The CBC analysis found over $5 million was raised: United Way B.C. (1.7 M), Filipino B.C. ($435.3K) , Archdiocese of Vancouver ($400.4M) , Red Cross ($435.7M) and more than a dozen GoFundMe campaigns ($2.9M).
Where the monies went (Source: Kapwa Fund Report)
1. $50,000 – Alliance Philippines Cultural Heritage Association – Promote long-term community renewal through inclusive gatherings (Salo-Salo), intergenerational storytelling (Kwentong Pinoy), and Tagalog language and culture education (Filipino School). Together, these initiatives strengthen resilience, belonging, and collaboration, fostering a more confident and connected Filipino community.
2. $50,000 – Amici Curiae Friendship Society – With a long-standing commitment to accessible, trauma-informed, and culturally sensitive services, AC helps individuals navigate complex legal systems and overcome barriers such as legal jargon and technology, ensuring those impacted can advocate for their rights and access necessary supports.
3. $30,000 -Bandits Community Foundation – Create a lasting space for healing, resilience, and empowerment following the April 26th tragedy. By refurbishing the basketball court in Philippine flag colors and offering free youth camps led by Filipino coaches, the project fosters cultural pride, physical and mental wellness, and strong community connections, providing youth with a safe and positive outlet to grow, unite, and honor those affected.
4. $25,000- BIBAK Organization of British Columbia – Festivals on June 28th and November 22nd to bring together the community (including those impacted) for a culturally appropriate meal and to share resources and information around emergency supports and community care programs.
5. – British Columbia Bereavement Helpline – Culturally grounded, trauma-informed grief support for Filipino community members affected by April 26. Efforts include free Traumatic Loss Facilitator Training, inclusive healing events (e.g., Bereavement Walk, Yoga, Paint Your Grief), and accessible resources like translated grief brochures. In-person gatherings will incorporate food to foster comfort and connection.
6. $25,000 -Dance West Network – The program includes five workshops or talks led by speakers from diverse backgrounds in the local Filipino community—such as artists, migrant workers, and those in the farming sector—and culminates in participants showcasing their work in a professional gallery.
7. $50,000- Filipino Canadian Community & Cultural Society of BC – Capacity support to transition from volunteer-driven organization.
8. $25,000- Formative Motion Society – Paglaum is a trauma-informed therapeutic yoga series designed to support Filipino-Canadian community members affected by the events of April 26th, 2025. This three-month program offers weekly group and one-on-one yoga therapy. It provides a safe, culturally relevant space for healing through gentle movement, breathwork, guided rest, and community connection—acknowledging the ongoing and non-linear nature of trauma and recovery.
9. $20,000- Frog Hollow Neighbourhood House – Bi-weekly healing art circles for youth (up to age 30).
10. $3,189.54- Gallery Gachet Society – Mga Kwento – Many Stories offers a healing space for interdisciplinary storytelling, where Filipino community members come together with residents of the DTES and Chinatown to grieve, remember, and rebuild.
11. $65,000 – GJ Multicultural Services Society – Provide culturally responsive trauma support to Filipino community members through four integrated approaches:
Immediate crisis counseling with Filipino speaking therapists for those directly impacted
Community healing circles incorporating traditional Filipino practices
Basic needs fund providing practical assistance with transportation, childcare, and daily necessities for affected families; host culturally significant community reintegration events to rebuild trust and connection
12. $ 25,000- H.I.M. Health Initiative for Mens Society – “Hoy, Pare — Mag-Usap Tayo” is a 6-week trauma-informed therapy group (up to 10 participants) for self-identifying Filipino men and queer men affected by the events of April 26th.
13. $25,000 – Himig Kabataan Cultural Society – Youth-led expressive arts space to support those affected by the Lapu Lapu Tragedy, offering healing and community connection through music. Weekly choir rehearsals, providing a safe, supportive environment for victims and survivors.
14. 50,000 – Indigenous Wellness Training Society – The Kapwa Healing Circles & Peer Resilience Project offers culturally grounded healing for Filipino families and communities affected by the Lapu Lapu Day tragedy. Led by Indigenous helpers, the project includes ceremony-based healing circles, one-on-one counselling in Tagalog, Ilokano, and English, and peer responder training.
15. $25,000 – Kathara Pilipino Indigenous Arts Collective Society – Provide low-barrier subsidized group therapy and 1:1 clinical counselling to individuals who have been negatively impacted by the tragedy by improving their quality of life outcomes.
16. $25,000-KCH Collective Society – Community Lamay & Healing Network includes grief circles, art therapy, movement healing, and restorative justice programming—accessible six days a week in person and virtually.
17. $55,000 – Latincouver Cultural & Business Society –
Community dedicated space for healing circles and mental health support at Carnaval del Sol on July 12th and 13th for healing and solidarity following the events of April 26th, 2025.
Kapwa & Comunidad: Collective Healing Through Dialogue is a culturally grounded initiative responding to the Lapu Lapu Festival tragedy. From September 2025 to June 2026, it will offer trauma-informed workshops, group counselling, and frontline training, alongside storytelling circles and design workshops leading to a We Remember Mural. Rooted in Filipino and Latin American values, the project fosters healing, resilience, cultural safety, and long-term community care in partnership with Filipino BC.
18. $75,000—Mabuhay House Society:
Response initiative designed to address the healing and recovery needs of survivors and families affected by the tragedy. The program will conduct assessments led by a licensed Occupational Therapist/ BC Filipino Therapist Association who evaluates the physical, emotional, and psychosocial needs of survivors and their families. The program further funds priority needs as determined by the assessment.
19. $15,000 -Maple Bamboo Network Society – A digital storytelling project to create a healing space for Filipino Canadians through a culturally rooted platform.
20. $25,000 – Migrante BC – Filipino Society:
2-hour Art Therapy Fundraising efforts to support victims and families through sale of art programming
21. $25,000 -Moving Forward Family Services – Provide trauma-informed counselling with little to no wait times, and no limits on the number of sessions, for those impacted.
22. $25,000 -Multicultural Helping House Society – Drop-in services, emotional and mental health support, healing workshops, and assistance with legal and documentation needs.
23. $25,000-National Pilipino Canadian Cultural Centre Society – This program offers trauma-informed, arts-based healing rooted in the Filipino value of Kapwa (shared empathy). It includes intergenerational Hilom (healing) Circles with storytelling, poetry, and art, as well as Walang Hiya performing arts workshops featuring movement, spoken word, zine-making, dance, and music. These will culminate in the Sapin-Sapin Festival—a community showcase of healing and solidarity.
24.$20,800- Philippine Cultural Arts Society of BC – Workshops led by speakers from diverse backgrounds in the local Filipino community—such as artists, migrant workers, and those in the farming sector—and culminates in participants showcasing their work in a professional gallery.
25.$75,000- Philippine Nurses Association, British Columbia, Canada – Providing support to a group of 35 fraternity brothers who volunteered together at festival and were impacted (not open for referral).
26.$25,000- Pinoy Pride Vancouver Society – Art therapy for queer, femme, non-binary individuals who are affected. On-site counselling for individuals at select festivals.
27.$12,370- REACH Community Health Centre Association – Trauma-informed counseling and a six-week mental health support workshop for people affected by the tragedy.
28. $75,000- Sher Vancouver LGBTQ Friends Society – Culturally sensitive crisis counselling with registered clinical social workers and counsellors to provide mental health support.
29. $22,800- St. John Society – Trauma-informed therapy dog sessions for individuals affected, facilitated by trained St. John Ambulance volunteer teams in accessible community spaces across Greater Vancouver.
30. $49,483.12 – South Vancouver Neighbourhood House:
Providing mental health support and healing spaces for youth and children impacted.
Strengthening mental health resiliency and coping strategies for youth and staff on how to regulate emotion, grieve, and be supportive for peers who are healing and grieving.
31. $49,955.27- The Landing Youth Centre Foundation – The HOPE South Vancouver Youth Program (Healing, Opportunity, Purpose, Empowerment) is a community-led initiative supporting youth affected by the tragedy. Running from July to December 2025, it addresses youth-identified needs for safety, connection, and purposeful engagement. Through partnerships with local agencies, the program offers healing-centered activities such as leadership training, wellness supports, art, hiking, sports, financial literacy, and volunteer opportunities. HOPE aims to provide a stable, empowering space where youth can heal, grow, and rebuild together.
32,$50,000-The Little Mountain Neighbourhood House Society – Building on the School’s Out Thriving Minds Summer program, Thriving Communities offers trauma-informed, family-centered, and culturally grounded supports rooted in joy, intergenerational connection, and the Filipino value of kapwa. Led by LMNHS and the BC Filipino Therapist Collective, the program aims to provide sustainable healing and become a lasting community resource for intergenerational wellness.
33. $421,571.58- United Filipino Canadian Associations in BC – Fundraising initiatives to support individuals in the community who have Philippine or dual citizenship with their healing, as well as providing individual needs support for those directly impacted – based on VPD Victim Services referral.
34. $10,000- University of the Phillipines Alumni Association in British Columbia – The 11th annual “Balagtasan, Harana, Kundiman, Tula at Sayawan” will serve as a cultural healing space for the Filipino-Canadian community in response to the events of April 26th. Through poetry, music, and dance, the event will honour the victims, foster collective mourning and resilience, and celebrate Filipino heritage.
35. $25,000 – Vancouver International Centre for Contemporary Asian Art – This project offers talks, workshops, and programming for Filipino youth, centering on the value of Kapwa—shared identity and interconnectedness. Using balikbayan as a metaphor, it invites youth to reconnect with their Filipino roots through culture, care, and community, similar to how balikbayan boxes carry love and resources across distances. The program provides a healing space for grieving, cultural connection, and strengthens the legacy of Filipino arts and resilience in Vancouver.
36.$25,000 – VS. Creative Society – A Creative Healing Series is a 6-month arts and wellness program supporting those impacted by the events of April 26th. The series offers a safe space to reflect, express, and heal through art, movement, writing, and traditional practices.
The biggest recipients were the United Filipino Canadian Associations in BC (UFCABC) for $421,751.58 and Filipino B.C. for $506.36 of which $450,00 is designated funding for victims’ support and community-strengthening initiatives. While it was initially created as an emergency response, the fund transitioned into a long-term endowment managed by the Vancouver Foundation.
UFCABC, a loose coalition of over 50 Filipino Canadian associations in B.C. were to have “fundraising initiatives to support individuals in the community who have Philippine or dual citizenship with their healing, as well as providing individual needs support for those directly impacted – based on VPD Victim Services referral.” Some organizations have cross memberships with other organizations that were listed as having received separate grants from the Kapwa Fund.
UFCABC did not respond to our message for comment.
Following the call of Vancouver Kensington MLA Mable Elmore to return unused funds, the Mable Bamboo Network Society who publishes Canadian Filipino.Net, returned $3,000 out of the $15,000 it received from the Kapwa Fund, the only institution that did so at the time of publication. The paper was supposed to produce a “digital storytelling project to create a healing space for Filipino Canadians through a culturally rooted platform.”
Another recipient, GJ Multicultural Services Society of Abbotsford received $65,000. The Society did not return calls to its office to clarify the disbursement of funds.
Filipino BC posted on their Facebook page (May 25) their statement to CBC on May 14 & 15 and repeated their assertion that they have distributed funds according to their mandate. While they say that this statement was shared to CBC, it did say if other media outlets including ours, were given a copy of the statement.
The statement did not address the concerns of the survivors and families who went public. Instead, it says that like any non-profits they “are legally restricted by privacy laws from proactively contacting the victims who have not reached out themselves.” ( emphasis ours)
The statement noted that it is unusual for criticism to be directed to them (Filipinos BC) rather than at the systems responsible for emergency response and long-term victim support. It also says it is concerned that MLA Mable Elmore has chosen to direct criticism at a single community organization rather than leveraging her role in government to advocate for continuing support from government agencies.
“The magnitude of this event required coordinated provincial leadership and resources well beyond what any community organization could reasonably provide,” it says.
It clarified that no Kapwa Strong Fund monies were transferred into the Kapwa Strong Endowment – an entirely separate initiative, adding that no funds were used for the Lapulapu Day of Togetherness event. Instead that event was supported through sponsorship, grants, and vendor revenues.