Leaders of the BC Teachers’ Federation today voted to make solidarity donations to help support the Filipino community in the wake of the tragedy at the Lapu Lapu Day celebrations in East Vancouver on April 26, 2025.

Members of the BCTF Executive Committee (EC) voted to donate $10,000 to Filipino BC, the grassroots community organization. They also recommended that an additional $10,000 donation be approved by the Representative Assembly at its upcoming meeting at the end of this month.

Eleven people were killed and more than 20 were injured after the driver of an SUV slammed into a crowd at the street festival celebrating Filipino-Canadian culture and resilience.

“The tragedy that took place at the Lapu Lapu Day celebration is one of the darkest moments in our province’s history. It’s heartbreaking that a joyful festival of family, community, culture, and pride could in an instant become a scene of death and devastation,” said BCTF President Clint Johnston.

In addition, the EC voted to donate $3,000 to New Westminster Pride in memory of Kira Salim, a BCTF member who lost their life in the attack.

“We grieve the death of our colleague, Kira, a caring and compassionate school counsellor who made a profound difference in the lives of students at Fraser River Middle School and New Westminster Secondary School,” Johnston said. “Kira was also an enthusiastic member of the local Pride community and a gifted musician proud of their Brazilian heritage.” 

In moments of crisis, teachers are often called upon to help children and youth as they struggle to make sense of cruel and incomprehensible events.

“As teachers, we take our responsibilities to the next generation very seriously, and we will be there for the Filipino students, indeed all of the students entrusted to our care in BC public schools. Together, we will support one another in the difficult process of healing,” Johnston said.