Lapu Lapu Day is a celebration of Filipino heritage and resilience, honouring the first national hero of the Philippines, Visayan Chieftain Lapu Lapu, who stood against the oppression of Indigenous Filipinos. Following the devastating attack on Saturday, April 26, 2025, that took the lives of 11 people and injured dozens more, there has never been a greater need for community support in Vancouver.
For festival attendees and the Filipino community, a day of celebration and connection has become underscored by tragedy. If you’re able, donating blood is one of the best ways to directly support the victims and their families, especially as local blood supplies continue to dwindle.
How to donate blood in Vancouver
First, check your eligibility via Canadian Blood Services to ensure you meet the requirements to donate blood or plasma. After confirming your eligibility, you can locate your nearest donor centre online and view the next available appointment. Of note, Canadian Blood Services locations may accept same-day, walk-in donations.
Here are the donor centres in Metro Vancouver and their operating hours:
- Canadian Blood Services, Oak Street – 4750 Oak St., open Monday to Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Thursday to Saturday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Canadian Blood Services, Surrey – Unit C2 15285-101 Ave., Surrey, open Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Wednesday and Thursday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Canadian Blood Services, Dunsmuir St. – 888 Dunsmuir St., open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
According to Canadian Blood Services, these locations also accept blood donations by appointment:
- Dorigo Systems Burnaby – 5085 N Fraser Wy., Burnaby
- Earl Marriott Secondary School – Small Gym – 15751 16th Ave., Surrey
- White Rock Baptist Church – 1657 140th St., Surrey
- Ladner Community Centre – 4734 51st St., Main Hall, Delta
- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Burnaby – 5280 Kincaid St., Burnaby
- Fraser Lands Church – 3300 SE Marine Dr.
- Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre – 6688 Southoaks Cres., Burnaby
Other resources
GoFundMe has listed verified fundraisers to help those affected by the Lapu Lapu Day tragedy, with support coming in from donors across the country and the world.
“There is a great need for the community to come together and share space during this time of unthinkable loss and grief,” says the City of Vancouver. “City staff are in contact with Filipino community representatives to offer support for their ongoing response to this tragedy.”
Event organizer Filipino B.C. is also warning against viewing Lapu Lapu Day footage.
“We want to make it clear that we discourage the viewing and sharing of the videos that are currently circulating of the tragedy,” Filipino B.C. shared on Instagram. “We encourage everyone to check in, support and hold each other.”
Those who have experienced or witnessed trauma can access 24/7 Victim Services via phone (1-800-563-0808) or email ([email protected]). As well, the VPD has set up a 24-hour assistance centre at the Douglas Park Community Centre (801 West 22nd Ave.) for anyone who has not been able to reach a friend or family member since the event.
The 310 Mental Health Line (310-6789) refers callers to a B.C. crisis line for emotional support, information on referral options, and a wide range of mental health support.
Hold your loved ones tight and check in on your neighbours.
