Ben Bernier Memorial Foundation makes first donation, to Tedford Housing

PHOTO: Danielle Triffitt, director of administration at Tedford Housing, and Rota Knott, executive director, accept a $3,500 donation from the Ben Bernier Memorial Foundation from Rene and Stephanie Bernier. (Submitted photo)

BRUNSWICK – The recently formed Ben Bernier Memorial Foundation made its first contribution of 2023 to Tedford Housing, in the amount of $3,500.
The donation will be used to create a computer and technology hub in Tedford Housing’s new emergency housing building. Shelter guests will be able to use the computers for technology needs, such as completing housing applications, performing job searches, accessing vital records and applying for services.
The Ben Bernier Memorial Foundation was formed in 2022 to keep the momentum going from contributions made to worthwhile causes in Bernier’s name after he died in 2019.

Bernier was an entrepreneur well known in the community. “Ben wouldn’t hesitate to give a stranger the shirt off his own back,” his obituary said. After his sudden death at 34, thousands of dollars in donations in Bernier’s name from Brunswick area businesses and individuals poured directly into local charities in the next few years, leading to the formation of the foundation.
The Ben Bernier Memorial Foundation’s mission is to support Maine residents experiencing food or housing insecurity or lack of opportunity. It supports established area organizations that directly work with needy individuals and families, but also works to encourage and support innovative new ideas to help those in need in the region.
“Ben would be very happy to be helping Tedford support people in the community who need assistance, and access to technology is something Ben believed could open many doors for folks,” said Stephanie and Rene Bernier, Ben’s parents.
Tedford Housing is the sole provider of emergency housing for people experiencing homelessness in the Southern Midcoast and currently operates two shelters, one for single adults and one for families, that are located in Brunswick. Tedford plans to replace those aging buildings, which are inadequate to meet the need for emergency shelter, with a single new building with 24 adult shelter beds and 10 family apartments.
“Ben was a wonderful supporter of Tedford, and his family and friends are continuing his legacy of giving back to the community,” said Rota L. Knott, Tedford executive director.
The foundation’s first big fundraising event was the Ben Bernier Memorial Run, Walk, and Toss held on Oct. 9 at the Pineland Center in New Gloucester. The family-oriented event featuring a 5K timed run, a 9-hole disc golf scramble, and a family fun walk. The event included kid’s activities as well as food trucks, a Moderation Brewing beer tent, and live music. The fundraiser was a great success, with hundreds of people participating.
Proceeds from the Ben Bernier Memorial Run, Walk, and Toss, along with corporate sponsorships, and individual donations will allow the Ben Bernier Memorial Foundation to distribute more than $16,000 to further its mission in the region in 2023.