Family Of Missing Toronto Woman Holding Fundraiser For New Search
Posted December 4, 2007 12:00 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
The family of a missing Toronto woman hasn’t given up hope that they’ll find her one day.
Christina Calayca disappeared on August 6 while jogging with a friend at Rainbow Falls Provincial Park, east of Thunder Bay.
In the weeks that followed, Ontario Provincial Police, aided by family, friends and other volunteers, scoured the surrounding region both on foot and from the air. But they found barely a trace of her, only a footprint believed to be hers, and no indication as to what may have befallen the 20-year-old. Police have repeatedly stated there was no evidence of foul play.
And so the search was called off on August 24, though understandably Christina’s family still hopes they’ll find their loved one someday. In fact it’s just that sentiment that sparked the idea for a fundraiser Tuesday intended to collect enough money to resume the search in the spring. Organized by the Find Christina Calayca Group, the event was held in the Markham Civic Centre’s Canada Room.
At the emotional event, Christina’s cousin performed a song entitled “Missing You,” written by the young woman’s uncle and godfather in the wake of her disappearance.
“I wrote the song just so we could listen to the lyrics and the melody and calm ourselves down,” said uncle Bayani Caguicla. “She is still lost and we need to find her.”
CD copies of the song are being sold for $10. The family said they decided to hold the fundraiser after learning that a new search could cost upwards of $100,000.
“I know she’s not missing, I know she’s somewhere,” said Christina’s mother, Beth Rutledge. “I know the world is so big, but God is so big … and I’m praying to God everyday that there is a miracle.”
To see Melissa Grelo‘s story on Tuesday’s fundraising event, click on the video link.
Those wanting to donate to the search effort can do so via a trust fund set up at TD Canada Trust. The account info is:
TD Canada Trust
Acct. # 1289-6370645
Fundraiser information:
Canada Room
Town of Markham Civic Centre
101 Town Centre Blvd.
