Nearly a year after the tragic mass casualty incident at the Lapu Lapu Day Block Party in Vancouver, lingering questions about the distribution of over £2 million in donations have surfaced, igniting a debate over transparency and accountability. Alejandro Samper, who lost several family members in the incident, has expressed his dismay about how funds intended for victims are being managed.
A Tragic Loss and Community Response
The Lapu Lapu Day Block Party turned into a scene of horror when an SUV crashed into the festival, resulting in the deaths of 11 individuals, including Samper’s father, Daniel, mother, Glitza, and sister, Glitza. In the aftermath, the United Way BC launched a fundraising effort that amassed more than £2 million to support the victims and their families. According to the Filipino B.C. Crisis Response Impact report, a significant portion—approximately £1.57 million—was allocated to the Kapwa Strong Fund, which provided 45 grants to various agencies aimed at helping those affected.
Out of the total funds raised, around £451,470 was specifically directed to support the initiatives of Filipino B.C. The community organisation has been under scrutiny from victims’ families, particularly Samper, who has called for greater transparency in how these funds are being allocated. “It breaks my heart and makes me feel angry, all the emotions, because that money was intended to help us victims,” he stated.
Lack of Transparency Sparks Outcry
Samper has been vocal about his frustrations, alleging that there is a lack of openness regarding how funds are being spent. He pointed out that Filipino B.C., as the festival organiser, bears some responsibility for the incident and should be more forthcoming about its financial dealings. “They’re not being transparent,” he remarked. “They’re hiding stuff that we don’t want to know, like their endowment funds.”
The report from United Way indicates that the United Filipino Canadian Association of B.C. was the largest recipient of the grants, receiving £165,000. Many of these organisations utilised the funds to provide mental health support and healing circles for victims. However, the UFCABC has also been the only non-profit organisation offering direct financial assistance, which has so far benefited 77 victims, with many more still awaiting help.
Questions About Fund Management
RJ Aquino, chair of Filipino B.C., clarified that the endowment fund refers to a separate pool of donations made directly to their organisation, rather than funds from the Kapwa Strong Fund. Despite the funds raised, Aquino noted that they have yet to receive the full allocation from the Kapwa fund, having only received £190,000 to date.
Aquino acknowledged the frustrations of the community and the need for improved transparency. “They didn’t get the help that they needed right away, and they’re still not getting the help that they need,” he said, emphasising that their organisation was thrust into a crisis response role unexpectedly. “We were festival organisers one day and a crisis response team the next, and that’s not something that we were originally built for.”
Audit and Accountability
Concerns regarding the management of the funds have led to calls for an audit. Samper has suggested that an examination of the financial practices is necessary to ensure that the donations intended for victims are used appropriately. Aquino has since confirmed that an auditor from one of the four leading accounting firms has been engaged to review their financial dealings.
At a recent press conference, Aquino announced plans for a new community centre and referenced the establishment of an endowment fund for its funding. However, this has raised further eyebrows among victims’ families, with Samper asserting that the money meant for victims is being diverted to support other agendas. “It’s very sad and heartbreaking to see they’re taking advantage of this money from United Way that belongs to the victims and their families,” he lamented.
Aquino countered these claims, assuring that none of the funds earmarked for victims would be redirected to the new centre or staff salaries. “None of the funds that are being directed to victims are going towards the centre,” he stated firmly.
Why it Matters
This situation underscores the critical importance of transparency and accountability in the management of funds raised for victims of tragedies. The emotional toll on families who have lost loved ones is immeasurable, and the community’s trust hinges on how these funds are used to support healing and recovery. As the investigation into the fund allocation continues, the need for a clear and open dialogue between organisations and the families affected by this tragedy becomes paramount. The outcome could set a precedent for future fundraising efforts in times of crisis, highlighting the necessity of ethical stewardship of communal support.
