'This is a nightmare': Family, community searches for missing teacher in St. Boniface

Two search parties combed St. Boniface today in hopes of finding missing teacher Kevin Dilk. 

St. Boniface Streetlinks set out from Provencher Boulevard at 11 a.m with an estimated 150 searchers, including Dilk family members. Then the Bear Clan Patrol led a search from the Norwood Hotel at 1 p.m. 

"If he can hear this, please come home. If anyone knows anything, please tell us," said niece Ginger Dilk. "This is a nightmare. We just want him home."

She described Dilk as an "amazing person" and dedicated teacher, " full of love, caring, compassion."

"It's been difficult," she said. "He's so loved. He's so loved by us, the community, his students.

"Everyone has come out to show that to us and we're hoping for the best outcome right now."

In a Facebook post, she said the community search has empowered the family through a difficult time. 

"I hope you all realize how grateful we are to all of you. Thank you, merçi, meegwetch," she wrote.

Dilk, 50, is a teacher at Collège Béliveau, a Grade 7 to 12 school in the Louis Riel School Division. Between 5-8 a.m. Wednesday he is believed to have left his St. Boniface home on foot, according to Facebook posts confirmed by his family. 

"Our thoughts really are with the family and we let them know that we are here for them," said Christian Michalik, assistant superintendent of the Louis-Riel School Division. 

"We hope to get good news."

Michalik said the division is putting measures in place to support kids and teachers who are impacted by Dilk's disappearance.

• Family searches for missing man in St. Boniface​​

Dilk is about five feet, nine inches tall, with a slim build and grey hair. He usually wears glasses.

Police say he may possibly wearing a black leather jacket, button up shirt and blue jeans, black hat and black boots.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Winnipeg Police Service Missing Persons Unit at 204-986-6250.