Lapu-Lapu Day Tragedy: Support, Resources & Latitude Offerings
In the wake of the tragic events at the Lapu-Lapu Day Festival, our hearts are with everyone impacted—directly and indirectly. This loss has deeply affected members of the Filipino community and many others across the Lower Mainland and beyond.
At Latitude Counselling, we recognize the emotional weight of traumatic events and the importance of timely, compassionate mental health support. In response, we have assembled a list of trusted mental health resources, along with pro bono counselling sessions now available through our clinic.
Latitude Counselling Pro Bono Sessions
Our trauma-informed counsellors are offering free, short-term counselling support for those affected by the Lapu-Lapu tragedy. These sessions are designed to offer a safe, grounded space for processing grief, trauma, confusion, and emotional overwhelm.
Counsellors currently offering pro bono sessions:
Vanessa Simmons, RCC
Nicole Fofonoff, RCC
Natalie Drew, RTC-C
Gorette Fong, RCC
Kayla Charters, RCC
Allison Fenske, RCC
Rhiannon Tessier, RTC-C
To inquire about availability, or if you're unsure where to begin, please fill out our counselling intake form or contact our administrative team.
CVAP Support and Resources
If you are a Crime Victim Assistance Program (CVAP) claimant and need support navigating your benefits, we’re happy to help guide you through the process.
Learn more about CVAP here
In grief, we gather. In heartbreak, we rise.
To the Filipino community—your strength, spirit, and resilience shine even through the darkest days.
We see you. We stand with you. We hold space for your healing.
“We heal as a community. And that starts when we choose to speak, to listen, and to care—for ourselves and for one another.”
Community Mental Health: Navigating Together
In moments of collective grief and trauma, our emotional wellbeing becomes a shared responsibility. While healing looks different for everyone, one thing is certain: we’re not meant to go through this alone.
Community mental health is about more than access to services—it’s about creating a culture of care where it’s okay to reach out, check in, and take a pause. Whether you are feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or simply uncertain about what you're experiencing, your feelings matter—and support is available.
You don’t have to be in crisis to ask for help. You may just need someone to talk to, to sit with the heaviness, or to help make sense of what you're feeling. That’s valid. That’s enough.
At Latitude Counselling, we believe in community-rooted care that is:
Compassionate — meeting you where you’re at
Trauma-informed — prioritizing emotional safety and consent
Collaborative — walking alongside you, not ahead of you
Reaching out for support is a sign of strength, not weakness. In times like this, caring for your mental health is not just personal—it’s communal. When one person heals, it ripples outward.
Ways to Help
Donate Blood: Call 1-888-236-6283 or visit blood.ca
Donations: While the City of Vancouver is not currently accepting items or monetary donations directly, we encourage supporting verified community-led fundraising initiatives.
Crisis and Community Resources
If you or someone you know needs immediate support, please reach out to any of the services listed below:
Mental Health & Crisis Lines
VictimLink BC: 1-800-563-0808 or email: 211-victimlinkbc@uwbc.ca
BC Mental Health Support Line: 310-6789 (no area code needed)
Suicide & Crisis Helpline: Dial 9-8-8
BC Bereavement Helpline: 1-877-779-2223
Crisis Centre Chat (adults): www.crisiscentrechat.ca
Youth Mental Health Support: www.youthinbc.com
UBC Students
If you are a student at UBC, the university is offering dedicated support services.
View UBC’s message and support options
Support from the Philippine Consulate
Assistance-to-Nationals Hotline: (604) 653-5858
Migrant Workers Office Hotline: (604) 767-3354
City of Vancouver Emergency Support
A 24-hour assistance centre is available at:
Douglas Park Community Centre
801 West 22nd Avenue, Vancouver
Vancouver Police officers and Victim Services staff are onsite to assist individuals seeking information about missing loved ones.
If you are unable to attend in person, please call 604-717-3321
General Support Contact Information
BC Crisis Line (outside of Vancouver): 800-784-2433
BC Mental Health Support: 310-6789
Canada Suicide Prevention: 866-456-4566
Canadian Indian Residential Schools Crisis Line: 1-866-925-4419
Crisis Text Line: Text “START” to 45645 (4pm-12am)
First Nations and Inuit Hope for Wellness 24/7 Help Line: 855-242-3310
Kids Help Phone (ages 20 and under): 800-668-6868 or text “CONNECT” to 686868
You are not alone. Help is available.