More than 300 Winnipeggers searched St. Boniface for missing teacher Kevin Dilk.

The 50-year-old has been missing since Wednesday.

People gathered at a house on Provencher Boulevard before splitting up into groups of 10. About 300 people showed up to this search.

“I think there is concern. I think there is a real sense of mystery around this,” said Marion Willis.

Willis works to prevent crime and help people experiencing homeless as executive director of St. Boniface Street Links.

She was contacted by Dilk's family and organized the co-ordinated search.

“This is a fellow who put on his boots and jacket and disappeared into thin air. That's what it looks like. It's almost like the Thelma Krull matter. She was a woman who got dressed, went out for a walk, and we are still looking for her,” she said.

Later Sunday, dozens more including the Bear Clan Patrol turned out at the Norwood Hotel to go cover more ground.

Sandra Chapman, Dilk’s first cousin, flew from Kelowna B.C., and helped organize the search Sunday based out of the Norwood Hotel.

"I wasn't sleeping at home, and I was so worried and I knew the only thing to do was to be here," said Chapman.

Some people are combing parks and rail lines; others have been dispatched to other neighbourhoods in vehicles.

READ MORE: Missing Winnipeg teacher left home without essential items: police

Volunteer Chris Black spoke to the crowd before searchers set out. He said he has 20 years of search and rescue experience.

He said it's important people look for discarded items and clothing. He advised searchers to yell 'stop' if they find something.

Many of the people searching have a personal connection to Dilk, telling CTV they know the family, or their kids were students.

Jeff Anderson worked with Dilk for three years. He drove from St. Aldophe with his 12-year-old son to take part in the search. “Great man, great teacher, very well respected,” said Anderson.

Cousin Susan Scott said Dilk had been making plans for gift exchanges for Christmas earlier this week.

Scott said she knows as more time passes, the more difficult the situation becomes, but the family remains hopeful.

"They are doing as you would expect. They are devastated. They are exhausted, overwhelmed. Overwhelmed by the support, but they are hanging in there," said Scott.

The two search groups are sharing information. Items gathered by volunteers will be used to determine where people will look next.