The Okanagan Filipino Canadian Society will be hosting a vigil for those killed in the Lapu Lapu Day attack in Ben Lee Park at 6:30 p.m. on April 29.
鈥淭his tragedy has shaken our community to its core," said Bella Mockford, President of the Okanagan Filipino Canadian Society (OFC) and Board Director of the OCCA Communities Association.
On the evening of April 26, an SUV drove into and through a crowd of people celebrating the Filipino Lapu-Lapu Day festival in Vancouver, killing 11 people and severely injuring more than 20 others. The man who was driving the SUV, Kai-Ji Adam Lo age 30, was arrested at the scene and has been charged with eight counts of second-degree murder. More charges are expected in the coming days.
Mockford said all people are invited to come together for the vigil to remember the lives lost, grieve, and find strength in one another, together.
"As immigrants, we have built our lives and our community here in Canada, and we are deeply thankful for the support and solidarity we have received from the wider community in the wake of this tragedy. We hope that by coming together, we can honour the lives of our fellow community and family members who have been affected,鈥� said Mockford.
Those attending are asked to bring candles and white flowers for the offering.
The OCCA, a charity established by immigrants for immigrants in the Central Okanagan, is standing in solidarity with the Filipino community.
"We will join our partners at the Okanagan Filipino Canadian Society for a vigil to honour the victims and show our unwavering support. The Filipino community has been integral in helping us weave the very fabric of our shared home," said Fei Liu, executive director of the OCCA Communities Association.
OCCA is also hosting the Asian Heritage Month Opening Ceremony on Saturday, May 3, at the Metro Hub in downtown 麻豆精选 and will be holding space to remember those killed in the tragedy with a moment of silence at the beginning of the event.
"In this time of sorrow, we stand in unwavering solidarity with the Filipino community and reaffirm our commitment to providing support. Together, we will continue to work toward a safer, more inclusive future for all.," said Liu.
For more information on OCCA and the Asian Heritage Month event visit occabc.ca or follow OCCA on Facebook.
