Over $5M in donations flowed in after the Lapu-Lapu Day attack. Here's where it went

Millions of dollars in donations flowed in after endure year's car-ramming assail at the Lapu-Lapu daytime fete in george vancouver that killed 11 and injured dozens.

But 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.

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 including 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 its initial appeal, United Way said it would provide "immediate assistance, counseling & trauma services, and other critical support" for those devastated by the traumatic event.

One month later, United Way B.C. Opened grant applications for charities and non-profits while individuals seeking support were directed to BC211 or its helpline.

Now, its website says the fund was "intentionally designed to support medium- and long‑term recovery, which is where United Way B.C. Plays its strongest and most appropriate role."

But Kate Bahen, managing director of Charity Intelligence Canada, says the public messaging at the time of the appeal constitutes a "promise to the donors" that charities are obligated to fulfill.

"[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.

"At the end of the day, it was the outpouring of emotions from all Canadians to support these families," she said. "It almost becomes a revictimization or a re-exploitation when those promises are not met."

The biggest recipient of United Way funds was Filipino B.C., through designated donations and a grant to support its "transition from volunteer-driven organization."

Filipino B.C. Chair says Lapu-Lapu Day victims need more government aid

Though it has referred to itself as a charity in past reports and interviews, Filipino B.C. Is not yet a charity. It says it expects confirmation about its charitable status application this summer.

Blaine Redlac's partner, Jendhel May Sico, was among those killed. He says it was Filipino B.C.'s "ethical obligation" to help fill gaps in urgent medical and rehabilitative care for victims and their families.

"They did not," said Redlac, who lost his leg in the attack and now suffers from severe PTSD. "They only made it more challenging."

Festival attack survivor says victims weren't consulted in grant allocations

Redlac wants the government to intervene.

"No disrespect to any of these organizations that took the money," he said, "But … that came at the expense of victims like AJ Sico getting time-sensitive care."

Several board members resigned from Filipino B.C. In December, including Tony Ortega, who left over financial transparency concerns and reports that victims were receiving "little or no support." He says AJ Sico needs $60,000 for medical treatment in the U.S. That isn't available in Canada.

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."

Why this charity expert says charities need to be consistent

Likewise, GoFundMe said donations to its verified campaigns were "delivered directly to the designated beneficiaries, the families and individuals impacted."

A fund started by the Sico family earlier this year is supporting AJ's long-term care.

Other community organizations and provincial politician Mable Elmore have called on Kapwa Strong Fund grant recipients to redirect any unused funds to victims.

United Way B.C. Said unused funds would go to United Filipino Canadian Associations in B.C. (UFCABC), a coalition of more than 65 societies that received over $332,000 for direct distribution to individuals.

In April, Filipino B.C. Received the remaining $166,000 in designated donations from United Way B.C. It has hired accounting firm MNP to conduct an independent audit and promised to publicly release the findings and its annual report.

Senior writer

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