B.C. teen who lost family in Lapu Lapu Day tragedy donates $266K from GoFundMe page to other victims
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Andy Le, 16, lost his father Richard Le, 47, stepmom Linh Hoang, 30, and sister Katie Le, 5, after a driver allegedly rammed his SUV into the festival crowd, killing 11 people.
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The annual event celebrates Filipino culture. Le was not there because he had decided to stay home to do his homework.
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The GoFundMe page was set up to help raise money for Andy, the only surviving family member.
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In a YouTube clip shared on the fundraising page, which has raised over $392,800, Andy said, 'I would like to thank everyone who has donated to my GoFundMe campaign and from the bottom of my heart, thank you all so much…I truly appreciate each and every one of you, and I know that many other families are hurting too, which is why I'd like to donate $266,000 to other victims from my GoFundMe campaign.'
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'I want to continue living with my grandparents, who (have) helped raise me, and truly love me. Thank you all so much for your support,' he added.
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Toan Le — who set up the GoFundMe page — confirmed to CBC Vancouver that his sibling Richard (Andy's father), Linh and Katie died in the attack. '(Andy's) entire life just changed overnight,' Toan said.
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Katie, who had just finished pre-school, was the youngest confirmed victim who died in the attack. 'She was the life of the party. She was always so cheerful, happy. She always wants to play with her cousins,' Toan told the CBC. 'We're going to miss her so much.'
Paying tribute to Richard Le, Toan wrote on the GoFundMe page that his brother 'was a dedicated father, badminton and tennis coach and real estate professional. He devoted his life to teaching young people the values of sportsmanship and team spirit. He served his community and clients with pride and always went out of his way to help others.'
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He also wrote that Andy's stepmother 'was known for her kindness and gentle spirit. She had been planning a visit to see her family in Vietnam.'
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Vancouver Police arrested Kai-Ji Adam Lo, 30, at the scene of the incident on Saturday. He was charged with eight counts of second-degree murder, though police later said they anticipate additional charges will be laid in the coming days or weeks.
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New donations on the GoFundMe page for Andy were disabled after raising $542,646. An update on the page says its intention was 'to raise money to cover the funeral costs for Linh, Richard and Katie as well as to help pay for Andy's education because he lost his dad who was the sole provider of the family and who was going to pay for his university costs … Once all costs related to this matter are accounted for, the remaining balance of the money will be donated to charity.'
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Meanwhile, both GoFundMe and the Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver have been warning of fraudulent fundraising efforts by some people to make money off the tragedy by soliciting funds. The Consulate General said it found campaigns claiming to raise money for victims' families using an image of the consulate's 'official message,' but it has not created or sanctioned any fundraising efforts.
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GoFundMe created a hub of verified fundraisers, for the victims. The B.C. government declared Friday, May 2 the provincial day of remembrance and mourning for the victims of the attack.
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