Jennifer Catcheway's family holds barbecue to continue their search 8 years since disappearance

Bernice Catcheway last heard her daughter's voice saying she was on her way home to Portage la Prairie, Man., for her 18th birthday celebrations in 2008.

She doesn't know what happened to her daughter, Jennifer, after but the Manitoba mother has never stopped looking.

Jennifer disappeared on June 19, 2008 and nearly eight years to the day since that fateful phone conversation, the Catcheway family is hosting a barbecue to raise money to continue the search for her.

"It's important, it's very important, that's our daughter. We have to keep her in the forefront of the news or as much as possible," Bernice said.

"Let the public know that she's still not home, she's still out there missing This fundraiser will helpus get out there, financially, it takes money to get out there, and that's why we're doing this."

Eight years ago, Jennifer's call was traced to Grand Rapids, Man., six hours from the family home. According to family members, Jenniferwas seen for the last time getting into a truck on her birthday, and may have been dropped off or left on a highway.

The annual fundraising barbecue in Portage la Prairie will support the family's efforts to search for Jennifer. They will be searching Dakota Tipi and about four other areas to follow up on tips from the public.

Bernice saidthe areas are remote and are expensive to get to. But the barbecue is also to honour Jennifer and give the family support.

"It helps us ...not only financial support but it just supports us when people come by, visit, it's a good support. Just to have people come by. It encourages us," she said.

There will be lots of foodand silent auction including hotel stays in Portage la Prairie and Winnipeg. It will go until 7 p.m. and close with a candlelightprayer.

"Everyone is welcome, all of Portage, all of Canada, whoever comes We're hoping we have a good turnout today," Bernice said.

In October 2015, a new witness came forward about Jennifer's disappearance and made a statement to the RCMP.

Bernice said the family hasn't received any other updates.

"We don't know what the police are doing, they haven't contacted us we haven't contacted them, but it's in their hands now," she said.