Bear Clan Patrol sees surge in missing Winnipeggers

The Bear Clan Patrol is seeing a spike in missing people. In the past two days, the organization has posted ten reports of missing residents. They say it may be partly due to the population swell with thousands of evacuees in town, but the majority are Winnipeggers. 

“We have persons as young as four years old on our missing persons page to 83, 91, so it’s every age. We need to, as a community, look after each other and take care of each other more,” said Angela Klassen, Downtown West Broadway coordinator & missing persons liaison for the Bear Clan Patrol.

Klassen doesn’t know what’s behind the spike, but is asking residents to keep an eye out and report any sightings as they search for a growing number of people. 

“We’re out there looking for folks, for their loved ones, and we just don’t stop.”

It’s a daunting task for the three employees of the Bear Clan, which is largely volunteer-run. Members go out in three major areas of the city to look for missing people, hand out supplies and connect with residents four to five times a week.

“It’s all about really looking out for each other, and that’s something we as a community really need to do more. We always say we must do better, and this is one way you can do better. And this is one way you can do better, by stepping up and volunteering,” said Klassen.

They’re always looking for more volunteers. Klassen says anyone interested can contact her directly at 204-794-3568.