Vancouver chefs launch a meal program to support victims and families affected by the tragic Lapu Lapu Day rampage. Learn how the community is coming together.
In the wake of the devastating Lapu Lapu Day tragedy, where an SUV rampaged through a crowd of festivalgoers, Vancouver chefs are coming together to offer a simple but powerful form of support: food. For many, food isn’t just nourishment – it’s a way to show love, healing, and care during times of grief.
This deeply rooted aspect of Filipino culture has spurred local chefs to unite, offering comfort and sustenance to the victims and their families.
A Culinary Response to Tragedy
When the tragedy struck on April 26, 2025, many in the Vancouver Filipino community were left asking the same question: “How can we help?” Chef T.J. Conwi of Ono Vancouver, along with Maj Yee, owner of Goldilocks Bake Shop, knew they could offer something meaningful in the form of meals. “Food heals, food nourishes, and it’s how we show we care,” said Conwi, speaking on the therapeutic power of cooking and community support.
Conwi and Yee, driven by a sense of duty and compassion, rallied their network to prepare and distribute over 200 meals so far. Every meal is prepared with consideration for specific dietary needs, ensuring the recipients get the nourishment they need without added stress during this painful time.
Feeding the Spirit and the Body
The meals are delivered directly to families affected by the tragedy, as well as volunteers working tirelessly at local emergency response centres. The Filipino B.C. association and Mabuhay House are also working closely with the chefs to organize meal deliveries to those in need. “It’s not just about feeding the body,” Conwi explains. “It’s about bringing moments of togetherness, offering emotional support through something as simple as food. A shared meal reminds people they’re not alone.”
Both chefs have received an outpouring of support from local restaurants and volunteers eager to pitch in. “The response has been overwhelming. More restaurants are joining the cause, and we’re hearing from so many who want to help or volunteer,” says Conwi. The response has been a powerful reminder of the community’s strength in the face of such overwhelming tragedy.
Helping in Times of Uncertainty
As Filipino community members themselves, both Conwi and Yee feel deeply connected to the tragedy. Yee noted, “It’s in our nature to step up, to help when we can. Offering food is a way to show love without words — to nourish both the body and the spirit.” The two chefs believe that, during such difficult times, food can be a vital source of emotional warmth, stability, and a sense of normalcy when everything else seems uncertain.
Conwi and Yee are inviting fellow chefs and restaurants to join the initiative. Chefs interested in contributing to the program can reach out via email at cheftj@onovancouver.com. Additionally, a GoFundMe campaign has been established to support the initiative, though Conwi encourages people to prioritize donations directly for the victims through established crowdfunding campaigns.
A Culinary Fundraiser to Support the Cause
The effort doesn’t end there. Caren McSherry, owner of Gourmet Warehouse, is organizing a fundraiser for May 26, bringing together ten of Vancouver’s top chefs to support the initiative. The full proceeds will go toward providing more meals for victims and their families. “It’s an incredible show of solidarity,” says Yee.
As Vancouver rallies around the Filipino community, the chefs leading this effort show that even in the darkest times, food has the power to heal, bring people together, and offer hope.
Stay tuned to Maple News Wire for more updates on this heartfelt initiative and other stories of community resilience and support in Vancouver.
