Winnipeg Drag the Red search effort needs cash for new boats

Volunteers with Drag the Red say they've raised more than $1,000 that will go toward buying new boats and equipment.

Search effort has received positive feedback from people across the country, says Bernadette Smith

CBC News · Posted: Apr 04, 2015 3:55 PM EDT | Last Updated: April 5, 2015

Drag the Red began Sept. 17, 2014 with volunteers on both the water and shore. Those in the boats dropped metal bars and hooks about four metres deep and trolled the river, while those on the bank combed through the grass, trees and scrub. (CBC)

A group bent on combing Winnipeg river bottoms for forensic clues related to the province's missing and murdered aboriginal women has raised enough cash to buy new boats.

Volunteers with Drag the Red said they've raised more than $1,000 that will go toward buying new boats and equipment.

The group began sweeping the river last year in search of bodies or any other evidence that could help solve cases of missing women.

Bernadette Smith's sister Claudette Osborne disappeared in 2008 and hasn't been seen since. (CBC)

Organizers started a crowd funding campaign to raise money for supplies four days ago. Bernadette Smith, who initiated Drag the Red in 2014, said the group has received an outpouring of support and positive feedback from the people Canada-wide.

"It says a lot about Canada as a whole and they're helping other communities and helping other families that they don't necessarily know," said Smith. "We're grateful for any help we can get."

Smith's sister Claudette Osborne went missing in 2008 and she has been looking for her ever since.

Search efforts will resume near the end of the month.

Drag the Red is accepting donations through its GoFundMe page.

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