Teen survivor of Vancouver festival attack donates $193K to other victims
Andy Le, the 16-year-old who lost his entire immediate family in the April 26 vehicle attack during a Filipino cultural festival in Vancouver, is donating half of the funds raised for him to support other victims and their families.
Tragedy strikes
On April 26, a man drove an SUV into a crowd gathered at the Lapu Lapu Festival in Vancouver, killing 11 people and injuring more than two dozen others. Among those killed were Andy's father, Richard Le, 47, stepmother Linh Hoang, 30 and 5-year-old sister Katie. They were attending the festival as a family — but Andy stayed home to finish his homework, a decision that ultimately saved his life.
Authorities identified the suspect as 30-year-old Kai-Ji Adam Lo, who was arrested and charged with eight counts of second-degree murder, with more charges expected. Police said the attack was deliberate but ruled out terrorism. Lo, who has a history of mental illness, was under the care of Vancouver Coastal Health and on extended leave under the province's Mental Health Act at the time of the incident.
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A gesture of solidarity
The GoFundMe campaign, created by Andy's uncle Toan Le, raised over 542,000 Canadian dollars ($393,600) before being closed on May 6. Initially intended to help cover funeral costs and Andy's future education, the campaign's surplus will now go toward aiding other survivors and victims' families.
'From the bottom of my heart, thank you all so much. I truly appreciate each and every one of you. I know that many other families are hurting too, which is why I'd like to donate $266,000 CAD ($193,100) to other victims from my GoFundMe campaign," Andy said in a video posted to the fundraising page. "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."
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Toan confirmed to CBC Vancouver that they are working to identify appropriate organizations to distribute the funds. He described his nephew as resilient, despite having lost 'his entire life overnight.'
Remembering the victims
On the GoFundMe page, Toan Le remembered his brother Richard as a devoted father, badminton and tennis coach, and real estate professional. Linh Hoang, Richard's wife and Andy's stepmother, was known for her kindness and gentle spirit. Katie, the youngest victim, was about to graduate from kindergarten and was described as vibrant, joyful and full of life.
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'The horrific nature of this crime against the Le family and other victims serves as a painful reminder that, as a society, we must do better,' Toan wrote. 'We hope you cherish your loved ones every single day, as Andy and many others no longer have that chance.'
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