A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to aid the family of a missing 62-year-old Saanich man who was last seen over three weeks ago.
On Sunday, April 23rd, Saanich Police issued a missing person alert for Bernard “Ben” Fournier. At the time, it was believed he was travelling to Nanaimo, however, his vehicle was located the next day in a parking in Mill Bay.
Following the discovery of the car on April 24th, Shawnigan Lake RCMP took over the case.
Video surveillance from the area showed Fournier walking southbound in the 2700-block of Mill Bay Road between 5:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. on April 16th.
According to the GoFundMe started by Measha Gallagher, Fournier had gone to his weekly Sunday brunch with friends on April 16th.
“Ben is a well respected IT tech in Victoria. Ben has always been everyone’s go to person and known as the guy who would give anyone in need the shirt off his back. His laugh is contagious and a smile that lights up the room,’ read the description of the fundraiser.
Both police and Cowichan Search and Rescue are both involved in the case.
The GoFundMe was started to help Fournier’s family to ensure his rent is paid, cover the impound fees of his car and keep his life rolling while the investigation continues on.
“Unfortunately, due to the nature and logistics of when people go missing, there aren’t any supports in place to help families move through this hard time.”
Gallagher said one of Fournier’s nieces has been off work since April 16th so she can help with the search.
The GoFundMe campaign had raised close to $2,500 of its $6,000 goal by Wednesday afternoon.
Fournier is described as a Caucasian man with a medium build, standing 6 foot 1 inches tall and weighs about 196 pounds. He has short grey hair and was last seen wearing glasses, blue jeans, a grey/brown t-shirt, grey/black running shoes, and a dark coloured vest.
Anyone with any information on his whereabouts is asked to contact the Shawnigan Lake RCMP at 250-743-5514.
