Heartfelt Condolence to the Filipino Canadian Community After the Lupa Tragedy

 It is with a heavy heart that I offer my deepest condolences to the Filipino Canadian community and to all those affected by the tragic event at the Lupa celebration.

The Lupa celebration was meant to be a joyous occasion, a time for the community to come together and honor Filipino heritage, culture, and traditions. With over 100,000 visitors attending that day, it was a day filled with music, food, dance, and laughter — a true reflection of the warmth, strength, and unity that define the Filipino Canadian community. It’s heartbreaking that something so devastating has overshadowed what should have been a beautiful celebration.

Having had the privilege to know and work with many wonderful Filipinos, this tragedy feels even more personal. The neighborhood, where my grandparents once lived on 51st and Ross, holds a deep place in my heart. While the area has changed over the years, the spirit of togetherness has always remained. To see such loss in a place that holds so much history is profoundly painful.

We mourn with you, stand with you, and send love, strength, and prayers to all those impacted. May the community find healing, and may we honor those we have lost with love and respect.

#LupaCelebration #FilipinoCanadianCommunity #InSolidarity #VancouverStrong

Heart wrenching video from #FortMacFire

"She was loving, always hugging or cuddling, and she loved to be the centre of attention," Chelsi said. "She has a beautiful singing voice and she was a wonderfully creative person."
Chelsi described her sister as an old soul. 

"She was always well beyond her years in maturity," she said. "We're sure she's not very happy either about being 15 forever."

'Tragedy, layered on tragedy': Girl, 15, killed in Fort McMurray evacuation

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/tragedy-layered-on-tragedy-girl-15-killed-in-fort-mcmurray-evacuation-1.3569518

The Ryan family would gladly let the fire take their Fort McMurray home, if it meant getting back what the fire already took — Emily.

"Ultimately, it's still a shock, the grief comes in waves," said Chelsi, Emily Ryan's sister. "It's tragedy, layered on tragedy."
Read more here 

 

A powerful and emotional thank you to the #FortMacFire firefighters. https://t.co/GxJoxG1YHi

— juliesioux (@jm_sioux) May 7, 2016

May she be snuggled in the clouds with a good book, watching down, always near.  I am so sorry for your loss and please accept my deepest condolences.

RIP Emily and Aaron

 I hope this is taken in good taste, and please know it's meant with love. Since Emily adored books I thought she'd like this. Sending love and light and hugs. Stay strong Chelsi!! Stay strong everyone.
Everyone in Canada and many people around the world are saying prayers and sending love your way.