Hewson Brothers Building Supply: In the Corner of “Champions for Charity“
At Hewson Brothers Building Supply, we believe in standing strong for both our community and the incredible people who make up the construction industry. That’s why we are proud to support the Champions for Charity event, benefiting McMaster Children’s Hospital.
With so many of our friends and peers from the construction industry stepping into the ring, we decided to take a different approach to corporate sponsorship. Instead of just writing a cheque to the party as a whole, we’re backing the fighters themselves—directly donating to those in our industry willing to lace up their gloves and fight for a great cause.
We’re here to celebrate these fighters and their commitment, and we encourage everyone in our network to get behind them as well. Over the next few weeks, we’ll be highlighting each of these industry champions and their sponsorship pages, hoping to boost donations and rally even more support for this incredible event.
So who’s stepping into the ring this year, and who are we backing? Meet the industry champions we are proud to stand behind:
John Deans of SG Cunningham isn’t just fighting in the ring—he’s fighting to make a real impact for children in need. As someone who has personally known families who have relied on McMaster Children’s Hospital, John understands the critical role the hospital plays in our community.
Having immigrated to Canada in 1989, John was deeply impressed by the quality and accessibility of healthcare. However, he also recognizes that many families still struggle to access the high-quality care they need. That’s why he’s stepping up to raise funds—to help ensure that every child has access to life-saving treatments and medical support.
John is also inspired by the Champions for Charity Foundation, which has taken the sport of boxing and transformed it into a force for good. He’s proud to be part of this initiative and hopes to make a meaningful contribution to the lives of children and families in need.
Let’s support John as he steps into the ring for an incredible cause!
Jason Hunke of Hunke Construction is stepping into the ring to fight for a cause that has personally touched his life. As a husband and father of four, Jason understands firsthand the importance of McMaster Children’s Hospital and the incredible role it plays in the community.
When Jason and his wife were expecting their daughter, they relied on McMaster for genetic testing, support, and specialized care. Their daughter was born prematurely, and over the years, Jason’s children have made several visits and hospital stays while battling illnesses.
His nephew, Wyatt, has also been a patient at McMaster for years after being diagnosed with Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease. Wyatt is a warrior, and Jason’s family is incredibly grateful for the world-class treatment and support McMaster has provided.
Now, Jason is stepping into the ring to give back to the hospital that has meant so much to his family. Let’s rally behind Jason and help him make a lasting impact!
Starting a boxing career at 41 might not seem like the wisest idea, but for Jeff Van Gyssel, the reason behind it certainly is. Jeff, the president of Just Working Construction, is stepping into the ring for Mandy Bujold’s Champions for Charity to raise funds for McMaster Children’s Hospital Foundation. Over the next 15 weeks, he’ll be training hard to compete in a sanctioned Ontario Boxing match at The Brawl at Tapestry Hall on April 5, 2025.
A devoted husband, father of four, Christ follower, and leader in the trades, Jeff founded Just Working Construction as a way to help newcomers to Canada enter the trades in a supportive, welcoming environment. His journey has been shaped by overcoming addiction and depression, and through God’s grace, he has been sober for 12 years. Inspired by his own second chance, Jeff has dedicated his career to helping others rebuild their lives through meaningful work opportunities.
Jeff’s mission aligns with that of McMaster Children’s Hospital, which provides a lifeline for families during their most difficult moments. Having seen firsthand how important second chances can be, Jeff is stepping into the ring to help ensure children and families in need receive the critical care and hope they deserve.
Shannon Gerryts of VanDel Construction isn’t just stepping into the ring for a personal challenge—she’s doing it for a cause that’s close to her heart. As a mom, wife, daughter, and friend, Shannon is always looking for ways to grow and challenge herself, not just for personal growth but to set an example for her two children. She wants them to learn to fight for others and for what is right in this world.
While boxing is a temporary challenge for Shannon, she knows that sick children and their families face battles with no set timeline or training regimen. Having personally experienced the outstanding care at McMaster Children’s Hospital, Shannon is deeply committed to giving back. During her pregnancy, she underwent critical testing at McMaster, receiving first-class care and support from their incredible staff. Today, she has a healthy 11-year-old daughter thanks to the advanced research and treatment available through fundraising efforts like this one.
Additionally, Shannon has two close family friends whose children have fought serious illnesses with the help of McMaster Children’s Hospital. Witnessing their journeys firsthand has inspired her to step into the ring and raise funds to ensure that more families receive the same level of life-saving care. Let’s support Shannon as she fights for the kids who battle daily for their health—and often, their lives.
Join Us in Supporting Champions for Charity
We’re calling on our fellow industry members, clients, and friends to get involved. Donate to your favorite fighter, share their sponsorship pages, and help us make this event a huge success.
At Hewson Brothers Building Supply, we believe in building strong foundations—both on-site and in our community.
To learn more about the event and how you can contribute, visit Champions for Charity.
