Let’s make this a ‘Summer of Hope’ for families missing a loved one
For many Australian families who have a loved one on the missing persons register, it is hope which will help them get through the upcoming summer holidays and Christmas period.
It is ‘hope’ which also inspired the Australian Federal Police’s (AFP) National Missing Persons Coordination Centre (NMPCC), in partnership with Chemist Warehouse, to launch the ‘Summer of Hope’ campaign for 2016.
The reasons for a person’s disappearance are many and varied; but behind every missing person there are family, friends, colleagues, and a community left behind not knowing what has become of someone they love.
AFP acting National Manager Crime Operations, Chris Sheehan has appealed for everyone to support ‘Summer of Hope’ and use their social networks to help spread the word.
“This holiday season we can all make a difference to the lives of those missing and the families and friends left behind,” Commander Sheehan said.
“Every week from 1 December to 24 February the AFP will profile long-term missing persons through our social media channels to reach as many people as possible.”
“I encourage everyone to look at the profiles featured on the AFP Facebook page throughout this period and consider sharing them with your own social media network. You or someone you know may have information which could help families reconnect, or solve a long-term missing person’s case.”
I would also like to take this opportunity to encourage anyone who may be estranged from their loved ones to make contact this Christmas. Going missing is not a crime and making contact does not mean you will need to return home,” Commander Sheehan said.
Corporate supporter of the NMPCC, Chemist Warehouse, shares the AFP’s belief that ‘Every Second Counts’ when it comes to locating missing persons.
To complement the online campaign, Chemist Warehouse is using their nationwide network to promote missing persons cases and bring this issue to the forefront of the community.
“It is well known that this is a difficult time of year for the families and friends of missing persons but it is also difficult for people who are missing themselves,” says Mario Tascone, Chief Operating Officer at Chemist Warehouse.
“Chemist Warehouse has worked with the AFP since 2013 to promote missing persons in the hope that we can help reunite families, or help provide new information to police to resolve these cases.”
“Look out for the missing persons profiles in the House of Wellness catalogue delivered to your home, and also in-store at all Chemist Warehouses. Together we can make a difference.”
If you have any information regarding any of those featured during ‘Summer of Hope’ or any missing person case please contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. For further information please visit www.missingpersons.gov.au.
Media enquiries:
AFP National Media: (02) 6131 6333
