A community search organized by the family of a missing Kelowna. A BC woman on Saturday drew a crowd of 150 volunteers to the area near the creek where she is feared to have been swept away by the rapid waters.
Chelsea Cardno, 31, was last seen on Tuesday when she left her home on Dougal Road South. Police said he had gone for a walk with his German Shepherd, JJ, near Mission Greenway. City officials declared a state of emergency Tuesday afternoon as heavy rains and melting snow caused water levels in Mission Creek and other waterways to rise to dangerous levels with strong currents.
In the intervening days, the efforts of the RCMP and Central Okanagan Search and Rescue have not been successful in locating Cardno. Dangerous conditions in the area caused a break in the search on Friday.
Cardno’s half-sister Suzy Harrison says the weather had improved enough on Saturday for the search, which was organized with the support of SAR teams, to continue.
The turnout was more than anyone expected.
“It’s overwhelming and surreal. With everything that’s going on in today’s world and how hard people can be with each other, it restores your vision of humanity,” Harrison told CTV News.
“There are people out there who really care about another human being, whether you know them or not.”
Although the search did not locate Cardno or give any new clues as to where it might be, Harrison says the large number of people involved meant they covered much more ground than they had anticipated.
A Facebook page dedicated to research has also received an influx of support from people who could not be there to search but who wanted to help in other ways. Harrison says the family is redirecting anyone who offers to make a donation to the family to make a contribution to the volunteer-run Central Okanagan Search and Rescue, “because they need the money.”
According to Harrison, the abundance of people with a desire to help and comfort the family was a fitting way to honor who Cardno is.
“He has a very bright, bubbly personality. He always wanted to help other people and make sure they had a good laugh or to bring a bright smile to his face,” he said.
“I remember when we were younger … she did the stupidest things just to cheer you up.”
Harrison says there is currently no other search conducted by the planned community, but that people in the area can help by keeping their eyes open and handing out posters and pamphlets.
“If you find something, report it. But please be sure,” Harrison says.
Cardno is described as 4’11 “and 108 pounds. She has brown hair and blonde highlights and was last seen wearing a blue or gray hat, red puffy jacket, tracksuit pants and black lace-up boots.
Anyone who has seen Cardno or your dog should call Kelowna RCMP at 250-762-3300.