The mock missing person scenario July 19 will showcase how the tracking system works to find vulnerable, wandering people.

Guelph has had Project Lifesaver since 2011 and the city’s Victim Services is helping to bring it to Barrie.

“We’ll have somebody go into a farmers field and take the bracelet with them,” said Barrie Chamber of Commerce President Kris Hughston after a breakfast speech Thursday by Chief Kimberley Greenwood at the Barrie Country Club.

“Guelph Police will be here and they’ll do the tracking to find the person just to show how it works.”

Project Lifesaver is a system that combines radio technology with a coordinated police response to locate wandering people.

Potential wanderers wear a bracelet – a one-ounce, battery-operated transmitter –  that emits an FM radio signal every second, 24 hours a day.

Satellite receivers then pick up the sound and lead searchers to the missing person.

Fourteen communities are using the devices to track people prone to wander including those with dementia, Alzheimer’s or autism.

Chief Greenwood says the voluntary program is another tool for police.

“We offer bracelets to families that they can place on those that do tend to wander and we’re able to locate them without the heartbreak and sometimes the tragic results of people wandering and not returning home,” Greenwood said.

Heartbreak like the February disappearance of Barrie senior Mandy Thompson who wandered away on a frigid morning and has not been found despite several, large-scale searches by Barrie Police and the OPP.

“We do not want another Mandy Thompson,” said Hughston, who says the issue is close to home for her.

A $25,000 fundraising campaign is underway to purchase four receivers and 20 bracelets.

Partners on the initiative include the City of Barrie, Barrie Police Service, Georgian Bay Volunteer Search and Rescue, County of Simcoe Paramedic Services, Alzheimer Society of Simcoe County, Barrie Chamber of Commerce and Simcoe.com.

Seniors Helpers, a company that provides seniors in-home care is the newest group to join the push.

“It’s overdue,”, said co-owner Doug Weber.  “I don’t think we have a good handle on the numbers (of vulnerable seniors.)  I think they’re significantly higher than anybody thinks.”

Guelph brings success stories to Barrie from as recent as last week when a woman went missing twice and was located under 45 minutes both times.

And there’s many more.

“Guelph had someone go missing for eight hours and ended up with hypothermia,” Hughston said.  “The next time that individual went missing with a bracelet they found him in 18 minutes”.

Officials in Barrie are seeking provincial funding and would like to see Project Lifesaver across Ontario.

Hughston says the system will reduce policing costs and more importantly protect Barrie’s vulnerable citizens and help their families.

“It’s deeper than just finding the person. It’s the stress of not knowing where your loved one is. With Mandy Thompson’s family it’s the stress of not being able to put closure to this whole horror story.”

Cash has been trickling in and Hughston hopes the demonstration in two weeks will boost the fundraising.

Donations can be dropped off at the Barrie Chamber of Commerce office: 121 Commerce Park Drive, Unit A, Barrie.

Cheques should be made out to Georgian Bay Volunteer Search and Rescue for charitable tax receipt.