Millions of dollars were donated following the car-ramming incident at the Lapu-Lapu Day Festival in Vancouver last year, which resulted in the deaths of 11 people and left many injured.
A recent analysis by CBC News revealed that over $5.5 million was raised by various organizations including United Way B.C., Filipino B.C., the Archdiocese of Vancouver, the Red Cross, and multiple GoFundMe campaigns. However, concerns have been raised by families and survivors regarding the allocation of these funds to third-party organizations and community programs rather than directly benefiting the victims and their families.
Vanessa Hill, representing survivors, expressed disappointment in a letter to United Way B.C., stating that most of the $1.65 million raised through the Kapwa Strong Fund was channeled to intermediary organizations instead of providing direct financial aid to those affected. The grants supported initiatives such as mental health counseling, art therapy, and infrastructure projects, raising questions about the lack of engagement with victims and their families in the decision-making process.
United Way B.C. initially pledged immediate assistance and trauma services for the victims but later shifted focus to long-term recovery efforts. While the organization claims all funds have been distributed, concerns persist about the fulfillment of promises made during the fundraising phase.
The approach taken by United Way B.C. has sparked criticism from experts like Kate Bahen, who emphasizes the importance of fulfilling promises made to donors and ensuring that funds directly benefit the intended recipients. Bahen advocates for direct cash transfers to victims, citing their significant impact in times of crisis.
On the other hand, organizations like the Canadian Red Cross and GoFundMe have already disbursed a significant portion of the funds raised directly to the affected families. The Sico family’s fund, for instance, is supporting long-term care for AJ Sico, one of the survivors of the tragic incident.
Efforts are underway to redirect unused funds back to the victims, with organizations like the Maple Bamboo Network Society planning to return surplus amounts. Filipino B.C. has hired an accounting firm to conduct an audit and has committed to transparency by releasing the findings publicly.
The Archdiocese of Vancouver, which raised substantial donations, has distributed a portion of the funds to individuals and organizations for essential needs. Applications for grants to cover food and medical expenses are being accepted, aiming to provide direct assistance to those affected by the tragedy.