Manitoba

Thelma Krull search: Transit union doubles reward to $10K

The union representing Winnipeg Transit employees has doubled its reward for any information that could locate Thelma Krull, who has been missing for over a month.

Winnipeg woman hasn't been seen since she went on hike July 11

Winnipeg police are asking for the public's help finding 57-year-old Thelma Krull. (Winnipeg Police Service)

The Washington headquarters for the union representing Winnipeg Transit employees has doubled its reward for any information that could locate Thelma Krull, who has been missing for over a month.

The 57-year-old grandmother was last seen at her home in the north part of Transcona on July 11, as she set off on a hike toward Chief Peguis Trail. She has not been seen since then.

Robert Krull, Thelma's husband, has worked as a bus driver for Winnipeg Transit since 2007.

The Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 1505 initially set the reward at $5,000 last month.

On Tuesday, local president John Callahan confirmed the amount has been raised to $10,000 thanks to the generosity of a ATU International based in Washington.

Larry Hanley, the president of ATU International in Washington, said the story of Thelma Krull has grabbed the attention of union members south of the border.

"Not only in our offices, but there's been discussion about this throughout the union," said Hanley. "It's just an awful thing to happen to one of our members."

Hanley admitted that it's rare for the international union to get involved in this kind of case.

"This is a really terrible case where one of our members has lost his wife," said Hanley. "We talked about it here in Washington and decided that the most appropriate thing was for us to join the local in offering a reward. We're trying to encourage people to step forward."

Callahan also said proceeds from the sale of "Whistle for Thelma" key chains, which have whistles and flashlights on them, will be added to the reward.