Search for Thelma Krull draws more than 100 volunteers

More than 100 people gathered on Monday evening to help Thelma Krull's family search for the missing 57-year-old Winnipeg woman.

Krull was last seen Saturday morning at her home in the north Transcona area. She had gone hiking near Chief Peguis Trail to train for an upcoming seven-day trip.

• Thelma Krull, 57, missing from north Transcona area

When she failed to show up for her grandson's birthdaythat afternoon, family members became concerned and reported her missing.

A crowd gathered shortly before 6 p.m. Monday in front of Krull's home on Filbert Crescentfor the third organized search effort.

Her children, Lisa Besser and Robert Krull, handed out maps to groups of volunteer searchers.Theyfocused on fields,trails and walkwaysnear the Chief Peguis Trail, Transcona Boulevard and Henderson Highway.

"We identified a bunch of areas we haven't yet hit, so we posted on Facebook and the support is absolutely amazing," Besser said.

Strangers joined Krull's family members and friends in the search.

Among those who helped were Roberta James and her family from Stony Mountain. They had planned agirls' reunion dinnerfor Monday but they wanted to search for Krull instead.

"I know what it's like to lose a family member," said James, who lost her 15-year-old son seven years ago. "Had to be out there to help."

Besser said the family will keep looking for Krull until she isfound.

"We're really strong, being able to hold it together think that actually comes from my mom," Besser said.

"She's a really strong lady and we're hoping she's being really strong right now, wherever she is."

Krullis described as five feet four inches tall andweighing 170 pounds. Shehasshort dyed-blonde hair with a purple streak in it.

Police say she's believed to be wearing black capris, a reddish-orange shirt, glasses and dark-colouredshoes,possibly hiking boots.

Anyone with information about herwhereabouts isasked to contact the Winnipeg Police Service missingpersons unit at (204)986-6250.

Police are also askinganyone with security cameras installed outside their homes and businesses in the area where Krull was last seen to review any video recorded between 7 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.Saturday.

Anyone whose securityvideo footage shows Krull is urgedto contact the missing persons unit.