Organizers hope the gathering will help generate new tips for RCMP
Brandy Mckee is picking up posters in support of Makayla Chang.
Not only is she a family friend but she has kids the same age so she’s extremely disturbed the 16 year-old has been missing for so long.
It’s led her to organize a rally.
“I just want the community to know not forget her name,” says Mckee. “Somebody’s got to know something and I think if we all rally together and show the love maybe it will spark something.”
They’re plastering posters, throughout Nanaimo, to promote the gathering.
Larrisa Coser is helping organize it. She met Makayla just once, but the teen made a lasting impression.
“She sang for the first time in public and it was really beautiful,” says Coser. “It was actually my favourite part of the event.”
The teen volunteered to sing at an art event in August. Coser says Makayla struck her as very unique and creative and when started to sing everyone just stopped to listen.
“She was very shy but once she started singing it was the most beautiful voice.”
A beautiful voice that’s no one’s heard since Mounties say she was last seen March 19th.
“That’s a long time for somebody to be missing with no explanation,” says Mckee.
“These vulnerable young women are disappearing and I think we really need to recognize that they are important parts of our community and that they’re not just another name that’s gone missing,” says Coser.
Mounties say they are still getting tips, though the number is dwindling, but it’s still a very active investigation.
RCMP have previously said they haven’t ruled out foul play and those who know her are growing increasingly worried.
The Gathering of Love and Support for Makayla Chang will happen at John Barsby Secondary, where the teen attended school.
It will start at four o’clock Tuesday afternoon.
Kendall Hanson
