Building bridges between all communities
Issue link: http://publications.winnipegfreepress.com/i/635130
FEBRUARY 2016 • PAGE 7 For Lydia Daniels, neckties have taken on a special meaning since November, a full year since her son's disappearance in 2014. "We chose to use neckties to bring awareness to the issue of missing and murdered men of all nations because it represents the ties that bind us to our loved ones that are missing," says Daniels. Her son, 27-year-old Colten Pratt, disappeared on Nov. 6, 2014. On the anniversary of his disappearance, the Winnipeg Police Service (WPS) released new information to encourage the public to come forward with tips. Pratt was last seen at the bus shelter at the corner of Main Street and Redwood Avenue in Winnipeg in the early morning hours of Nov. 7, 2014. Daniels has spent the year that has passed since her son was last seen anxiously wondering where he is. "Having a child missing, knowing he's missing, makes it really hard," says Daniels. Pratt's family created the Necktie Campaign to bring attention to his case, hoping that the campaign will generate more tips and information from the public. His aunts, his brother Catlin, and little sister Jocelyn worry about him every day. Jocelyn cries for her missing brother. "Colten didn't just disappear from that bus shelter. The public is so important in Colten's case – someone out there saw him or knows something," said Christy Dzikowicz, director of the missing children's service at the Canadian Centre for Child Protection. "That information, even just a little piece that may not seem important to you, could be key for investigators. Please call us or the police and help Colten's family." The Necktie Campaign encourages other families whose loved ones are lost or missing to get involved. "We wanted to do something positive to mend our broken hearts, lift our spirits and help others to heal. This campaign brings meaning, instead always asking and wondering why?" says Daniels. "We welcome the participation of anyone who wants to raise awareness to the issue of missing and murdered men and boys." Pratt is five-foot-10, weighing approximately 160 pounds, with short brown hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a grey T-shirt, brown plaid jacket, blue jeans and a grey toque. If you have any information regarding Colten Pratt's disappearance, please contact MissingKids.ca confidentially at 1-866-KID-TIPS (543-8477), or the WPS's Missing Persons Unit at 204-986-6250. Necktie Campaign in honour of Colten Pratt, missing LifeCelebrations Announceyourcelebration intheFirstNationsVoice Whetherit'sabirthday,engagement,anniversary orotherhappyevent.Bigorsmall,they'reall perfectreasonstocelebrate. Yousupplythepictureanda10-15wordmessage. HAPPYBIRTHDAYSANDY LOVEALLOFUS $125 ONLY PLUSTAX. PREPAID. Toplaceyouradcontact BarbBordenat204-697-7389 orbarb.borden@winnipegfreepress.com