[ad_1]
– The family is incredibly grateful for everything that is done around them, says Aurlands Mayor Trygve Skjerdal.
Flowers and candles have been placed in the town where police have made finds that may indicate the 29-year-old fell while walking down the road. Photo: Find Monica
Over the weekend, volunteers collected more than 320,000 crowns in hopes of finding the missing Christoffer Lysne Elgåen.
No one has had contact with the 29-year-old since Friday night last week, when he went out with friends. Since he was reported missing, local community residents in Aurland have worked day and night in hopes of finding the 29-year-old.
On Sunday night, the search continued in full swing in Aurland.
– Finding him will end the family uncertainty you have right now, says Mayor Skjerdal.
– Overwhelming response
On Saturday, Ingunn Christin Stigen organized a fundraiser for the Aurland Red Cross in hopes of being able to contribute to the search operation. Stigen, who is related to the 29-year-old missing person, says she is surprised by the response.
– The answer is overwhelming. I never thought we would go that far.
In one day, more than 175,000 crowns have been collected.
– People from all over the country have yielded. Many Aurland villagers, but also many others. We are very happy to be able to support the Red Cross, they are very involved in the cause.
Monica Finden from the flea market and sold tickets to raise money for the Aurland Red Cross. Photo: Steinar Grønsberg
Plan a flea market together
Monica Finden from Aurland also decided to raise money.
Finden himself had been in contact with the 29-year-old missing in connection with a flea market he had planned in early October.
– When this happened, I didn’t really know what to do. I decided to hold the flea market, in addition to frying patches. The goal was to raise money that could support the search operation, he said.
Finden says he suddenly started receiving messages from people with questions about how to send money to help. Since Friday morning, 145,000 have entered, he said.
– It’s completely extreme. People will simply support the search operation.
The missing Christoffer Lysne Elgåen was a member of the fire brigade and worked in the municipality of Aurland. Photo: Aurland Fire and Rescue
– Invaluable help
Steinar Grønsberg is a member of the Aurland Red Cross. It says that on Sunday there are 25 boats and more than 60 people who participated in the search.
He says that the funds from the fundraising campaigns are an invaluable help in the search campaign.
– There is so much support that I don’t know what to say. I am speechless. People all over the Sognefjord are watching. It is absolutely amazing.
On Tuesday, police announced that the search had entered a new stage where a search for the alleged dead was carried out.
– Finding it means that the family has to end a serious case. But the pain and the loss will be the same, says Mayor Skjerdal.
