A group of searchers hit the streets of Chilliwack on Sunday, hoping to find a missing senior they say has “severe dementia.”
Ethal “Grace” Baranynk, 86, was last seen around 10:30 a.m. on Saturday near Lenora Crescent and Ashwell Road, according to police.
The Upper Fraser Valley RCMP and Chilliwack Search and Rescue have also joined the search effort, and police said Baranynk may appear confused and may be in need of medical attention.
“Everyone is just really concerned for this lady. She’s been missing well over 24 hours now, concerned about her well-being, and that we find her while we still have daylight,” said Lisa Bisschop, one of the volutneers helping coordinate the search.
Bisschop said search efforts had covered most of the Rosedale area by Sunday afternoon and were moving on to Sardis and Greendale.
She said she has no personal connection to Baranynk, but was moved to help.
“I feel for her, she has no family here in Canada, so somebody has to do it,” she said.
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FacebookJanice Laramee, another community volunteer, expressed a similar sentiment.
“As a community we look after each other. And if no one looks for her she’s not going to be found. If I’m lost, I hope someone looks for me,” she said.
Community members have formed a Facebook group to help co-ordinate search efforts and gathered at Townsend Park Sunday, not far from where Baranynk was last seen, on Sunday morning.
Baranynk is described as Caucasian, 5′ 4″ and 120 pounds. She has grey/white hair that is cut short and which may be in rollers. She was last seen wearing a grey sweater, grey vest, and navy blue pants.
Searchers say she is a smoker. They’re also asking residents to check their back yards in case Baranynk has wandered into one.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Chilliwack RCMP or Crime Stoppers if they wish to remain anonymous.
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