The family of Mandy Thompson spent the weekend putting up posters around Barrie in the hope someone will spot the missing senior and help get her home safely.
"We're hoping for the best," said Thompson's step-daughter Michelle Billing as she and her sister left their parents' home Sunday to put up more posters.
"She's a wonderful lady. As you know she has dementia and she loves to walk. She's physically fit."
The 72-year-old was reported missing from her Laidlaw Drive home around 7:30 a.m. on Friday.
Police believe she is not dressed for the frigid weather and are very concerned about her safety.
Over the weekend, Barrie Fire and Emergency Service helped police scour Kempenfelt Bay and ice huts.
Georgian Bay Volunteer Search and Rescue, a trained group of searchers, also joined the efforts and helped officers search Sunnidale Park.
Police have been going around the clock and planned to work through the night again Sunday.
The Canine Unit is involved and the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle has been used to search wooded areas from above.
"We're just going to keep searching until we find her," said Const. Sarah Bamford.
Bamford urged the public to continue to share police updates on social media and to check their backyards, sheds and garages for Thompson.
Police are also asking residents with video cameras outside their homes, especially in the West Bayfield area, to check for images of Thompson to help officers develop a timeline and possibly her route.
"When you're out in your travels throughout the city keep an eye out for her," said Bamford.
The nine-member team from Georgian Bay Volunteer Search and Rescue is qualified to conduct searches for missing people.
"Lot of deep snow on the bush areas," said David Porteus, assistant team, coordinator. "We are trained to OPP standards. We re-certify every year and we go on regular training."
Volunteer citizens formed search groups at Sunnidale Park and police say they have been inundated with offers of help from across the city.
"It's been nice to see how our community has come together," said Bamford.
"We're all still extensively searching," said Thompson's step-daughter. "We're putting up posters in and around the area. We've had some great groups gather in search teams and so forth. The police have been wonderful. They've been doing everything they can since probably 8 Friday morning," said Billings.
"We're hopeful that all will turn out well."
Thompson is described as white, 5'8", medium build and has short red hair.
She was last seen wearing a black coat with a brown jacket over top and white running shoes.
Anyone with information is asked to call police immediately at 705-725-7025 ext. 2106 or 2107 or call 911.
