Vancouver Attack's Lone Survivor, a Teenager, Plans to Allocate Half of His Donations to Aid Other Victims
Rewritten Article:
After losing his entire family in the gruesome Vancouver festival attack, 16-year-old Andy Le, the brother of 5-year-old Katie Le, who also perished in the incident, has chosen to be a beacon of hope by donating half the proceeds from his GoFundMe to other survivors and their families.
In a heartfelt video released this week, Andy Le, the lone survivor, announced his decision to part with more than a quarter-million Canadian dollars from the fundraiser set up for him. The GoFundMe had swelled over half a million Canadian dollars by its closure on Tuesday.
According to NBC News, the funds are scheduled to be donated in the coming weeks, with the search for an appropriate organization currently underway. "From the depths of my soul, I thank you all so much. I am truly grateful for each and every one of you," Andy Le said, expressing his sympathies towards the families suffering alongside him. He continued, "I know that many others are hurting, which is why I'd like to donate $266,000 to the other victims from my GoFundMe campaign."
The tragedy on a fateful Saturday claimed 11 lives and left over two dozen individuals injured. Victims ranged from a tender 5 to 65 years of age, with the death toll potentially increasing. Authorities have yet to provide a motive for the attack, ruling out terrorism as a possibility.
Officials identified the suspect as Kai-Ji Adam Lo, a 30-year-old man with a history of mental illness, well-known to local law enforcement. At the time of the attack, Lo was on an extended leave under the Mental Health Act, having been under the care of Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH).
Toan Le, Andy Le's uncle, revealed that his brother, Richard Le, aged 47; his sister-in-law, Linh Hoang, 30; and his niece, Katie Le, 5, were among the deceased. Andy Le miraculously survived, as per the GoFundMe, due to his decision to stay home to complete his homework instead of joining his family at the festival.
Initially, the GoFundMe aimed to cover Andy Le's college education and final expenses for his three family members. However, Toan Le stated in an update to the GoFundMe page that the funds will now aid "direct or indirect victims," covering expenses such as funeral costs, education, counseling, and medical expenses.
"Our hearts are heavy for all the families affected by this tragedy," Toan Le wrote on the GoFundMe page. "Stay strong-we are with you." In a touching tribute, Toan Le also shared memories of Richard Le, a dedicated father, badminton and tennis coach, and real estate professional. Linh Hoang, Andy Le's stepmother, was recalled for her compassionate nature, while Katie, the youngest attack victim, was described as "vibrant, joyful, and full of life."
Andy Le plans to continue living with his grandparents in the aftermath. Community members who attended the festival previously told NBC News that it is one of the largest Filipino celebrations of the year, honoring Datu Lapu-Lapu, a 16th-century Filipino chieftain who defeated Spanish forces, serving as a symbol of resistance against colonialism.
During a vigil for the victims, Silva, a vendor who left 30 minutes before the attack, observed the community's resilience. "Lapu-Lapu is all about resilience," Silva said, "and I think that's what our community is doing now."
- After the tragic Vancouver festival attack that claimed his family, Andy Le decided to donate half the funds raised from his GoFundMe to other survivors and their families, totaling over a quarter-million Canadian dollars.
- In a statement, Andy Le expressed his gratitude towards the donors and announced his decision to use the funds for expenses related to other victims, such as funeral costs, education, counseling, and medical expenses.
- Although the motive for the attack remains unknown, the suspect, Kai-Ji Adam Lo, was a 30-year-old man with a history of mental illness known to local law enforcement.
- The tragedy affected various age groups, with victims ranging from a tender 5 to 65 years old, and the death toll potentially increasing.
- To honor Richard Le, a dedicated father, badminton and tennis coach, and real estate professional, Allen Le plans to continue living with his grandparents in the aftermath.
- The Vancouver festival, one of the largest Filipino celebrations of the year, serves as a symbol of resistance against colonialism, and the community's resilience was evident during a vigil for the victims.
