THUNDER BAY – A community event was held on Sunday in efforts to raise awareness and assist in the ongoing search for Richard Graham.
Richard was last seen on July 30 entering a bus on Cumberland Street, but it is unknown where he got off.
Family members of Richard organized a meeting at Current River Park where the community came together. Members of the public broke up into groups to distribute posters and search for Richard.
Dwanye Poster, Richard’s father, said his cousin and her daughter organized this event as an awareness campaign.
“The main goal is to try and find out more information so that we can hopefully locate and bring Richard home.
“Check your backyard, sheds, cars, abandoned vehicles, trailers, whatever you happen to have,” he said.
Poster said they have been unable to find any items Richard had on him, such as his backpack or his phone.
“There are people here that I don't even know who they are.”
It’s comforting that people are volunteering their time to help locate Richard, Poster said.
“Especially after that couple of months we've had where we've had absolutely nothing. Every time we turn around, we're into a brick wall.
“We don't know, street people, they can just come and go and disappear and it's a terrible thing,” he said.
Poster said the police have searched with dogs, gone into rivers with boats but there still have been no signs of Richard.
Poster said he had a message for Richard.
“If you do see this, your mother and I, and everybody else in the family wants you to come home so that we can get you whatever you need, whatever services are required.
“I know the world is a tough place and hasn't been very kind to a lot of people, and probably a lot of people that you're associating with.
“Let us know you're alive,” he said.
Richard’s mother, Heather Graham said she wants Richard to know she and his family loves him.
“This event is for you. We want to bring you home. Everybody wants to bring you home.”
Heather added that Richard is very small and can hide in tight spaces.
Ruth Graham, Richard’s grandmother, said he is a very important young man to the family.
“I know that my church, they're all praying for him and for his safe return.
“I would like to say to all the churches here in Thunder Bay please, please bow your heads and pray for Richard’s safe return.
“People in wheelchairs like me can't do very much, but we can pray. That's about all we can do,” she said.
