Christine Wood's family 'overwhelmed' by community fundraiser
Event in Thompson, Man., raised thousands to help the parents of missing 21-year-old woman
The family of a young woman believed missing in Winnipeg is thanking the community after a fundraiser drew hundreds and raised more than $5,000 for her parents and other family to continue searching for the missing young woman.
Christine Wood, 21, disappeared Aug. 19 while visiting Winnipeg with family from Oxford House First Nation.
"My family would like to thank all the communities for the support both financially and with the prayers; it means a lot," said Melinda Wood, Christine Wood's mother.
"Please continue with prayers in locating her safe 'n sound and to bring her home," she added.
Christine Wood's cousin, whose daughters are the same age as Christine and grew up with her, went to the event on Friday hosted by the Keewatin Tribal Council. Many donated items to the sale and travelled from neighbouring northern communities to be there.
"It was overwhelming but it was great to see the support and seeing people come together to support my aunt and uncle," said Laura Wood-Labossiere, who lives in Thompson.
The fundraiser included a hot dog lunch, bake sale, 50/50 draw and silent auction. All proceeds will go to Wood's parents' living costs while they stay and search in Winnipeg and travel costs for other family members to join them from Oxford House First Nation.
Wood-Labossiere, who works at the University College of the North, said several of her co-workers went to the event to show their support to the family.
"There's a lot of people who are praying for them and praying for the safe return of Christine," said Wood-Labossiere.
"Everybody's looking, everybody's worried and everybody loves her. I want her to know that all the family's worried about her and just want her to come home," she said, her voice breaking.
She added Christine Wood is the 'baby' of the family, the youngest of four and the Woods' only daughter.
"She's a very quiet girl. She's shy and she smiles a lot and she laughs and she's just a quiet girl," she added. "It's not like her to not stay not in contact with her parents and her family," she added, in tears.
"I have to believe that."
Labossiere-Wood also expressed her gratitude to the Bear Clan and Winnipeg Police their work and 'for keeping on top of tips.'
"It means a whole lot. A whole lot to the family,' she said.