 More than 1,800 members of a Facebook group set up in honour of Sonia Varaschin. (Handout)
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It's been nearly a week since Sonia Varaschin vanished and the chances of her being found alive seem slim, especially in light of the blood found on the Orangeville, Ont. nurse's car and at her home.
But there are more than 1,800 members of a Facebook group set up in honour of the 40-year-old woman who are praying for her safe return.
"Sonia, I know you have the strength within you to get your way back -- may the strength of all of these prayers help you," Lori Baine posted Saturday. "I am scared with all I hear from the news for you and want to hear your voice again."
The Facebook group is filled with messages from family, friends and even complete strangers, many of whom obviously live in or near the rural town.
"Every time the helicopters fly over our house I get sick to my stomach ... three times in five minutes yesterday ... very low," wrote Amanda Sinker Partridge. "My thoughts go (out) to the Varaschin family ... thinking of her safe return."
Many of the Facebookers are offering their thoughts on what may have happened to Varaschin.
"I read that she liked to go to the farmers market ... was it set up (on) Sunday?" asked Sandra Rovella Batko. "And wondering if the police have asked the vendors if she was seen there Sunday?"
Some are far more direct in their comments.
"With her car being found where it was it makes you think she met her attacker there (and) drove to her house in her car, (that) he killed her at her house then drove back to his car," Robert Chandler speculated.
The joint forces search effort, involving both Orangeville and OPP officers, is continuing through the holiday weekend. But there were no updates in the case on Saturday.
Investigators are still asking people in the area to keep an eye out for a cream or beige-coloured comforter and fitted sheet, which may well be blood-soaked.
"If you see anything suspicious on your property, contact police immediately," OPP Const. Jonathan Beckett reminded residents of Orangeville and the surrounding area Saturday.
While everything investigators have uncovered in the case so far seems to suggest Varaschin met her demise, Beckett said the officers involved in the search for the missing woman are trying to remain optimistic.
"We have to maintain hope," he said.
A dedicated tip line has been set up at the Orangeville Police Service at 519-941-2522, ext. 2211. Anonymous tips can also be made to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).
