Support for our members in the face of unimaginable tragedy

This is one of the most difficult messages we have ever had to send to our members. As many of you are aware by now, on Saturday night a tragedy of unimaginable scale took place at the Lapu Lapu Day Festival held in East Vancouver that resulted in the deaths of multiple people, including children, and injuries to countless others.

This tragedy took place at a community event that was about a day of celebration for the Filipino community.

Our hearts, sympathies, and deepest condolences go out to the Filipino community, the community in the Sunset neighbourhood of Vancouver, as well as to the family, friends, and neighbours of everybody who has been impacted by this extremely tragic event.

This tragedy hits especially close to home for us, not only because we have many members and friends who live in the area, but also as MoveUP was a proud supporter of the Lapu Lapu Day Festival and we know many of our members and staff who spent part of their day at the event.

For our members who may have loved ones in the area or know someone affected by this tragedy, we want you to know that our thoughts are with you as well, and we encourage you to connect to available support if you require.

Some of these supports include:

• Your Employee and Family Assistance Program
• A 24-hour assistance centre that has been established at Douglas Park Community Centre (801 West 22^nd). Vancouver Police officers are Victim Professional services have been deployed to help anyone who has not been able to contact a loved one who was at the Lapu Lapu Day event. If you are not able to attend in person, phone 604-717-3321.
• 310 Mental Health Line – Provides a toll-free number connecting callers to a BC crisis line. Offers emotional support, information on appropriate referral options, and a wide range of support relating to mental health concerns. Phone: 310-6789
• VictimLinkBC – VictimLinkBC is a toll-free, confidential, multilingual service available across B.C. and the Yukon 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and can be accessed by calling or texting 1-800-563-0808 or sending an email to 211-VictimLinkBC@uwbc.ca. It provides information and referral services to all victims of crime and immediate crisis support to victims of family and sexual violence, including victims of human trafficking exploited for labour or sexual services.
• Online chat service for youth (Noon to 1 a.m.)
• Online chat service for adults (Noon to 1 a.m.)
• BC211.ca – Dial or text 2-1-1 to be connected with a Resource Navigator who will provide information and referral to available social, government, and community supports and services.

If you require any additional support or are not sure where to turn, reach out to your job steward or union representative.

In solidarity,

Annette Toth, President
Brenda Chu, Secretary-Treasurer
Rysa Kronebusch, Vice-President, Utilities
Dimitri Ossinsky, Vice-President, ICBC
Christy Slusarenko, Vice-President, Combined Units

File Number: 25-MoveUP - BLTN- Support for our members in the face of unimaginable tragedy - April 28

Union Label: kp:USW2009

Reply to: KPrinz@moveuptogether.ca