Fundraiser for area man raises $45k for regional charity

Cheryl and Rick Gignac presented a cheque for $45,000 to the Windsor-Essex chapter of Sleep in Heavenly Peace May 24 while chapter president Brian Cyncone (right) unveiled a banner recognizing the efforts of the Gignac family and the rest of “Team Brandon.”

People from across Essex County and Windsor converged at Royal Canadian Legion Br. 594 recently all in memory of a local man.

Now the fundraising total has been announced as well as an increase in beds built for a local charity.

The fourth annual pasta dinner in memory of Brandon Gignac was March 13 at the Howard Ave. Legion branch with over 270 tickets sold for the event. The total amount from that dinner was announced this past Sunday morning (May 24) and it was $45,000.

Brandon’s parents Cheryl and Rick Gignac are former Amherstburg residents who now live in Windsor. They were pleased to see the turnout at the March 13 event, including a strong contingent of people from Amherstburg.

Cheryl said the dinner itself raised around $19,000 but thanks to additional donations and matching funds from Green Shield, it brought it up to the $45,000 figure.

Proceeds from the event now go to the charity Sleep in Heavenly Peace (SHP). Cheryl said through her work at Green Shield and efforts with Unifor Local 240, she became involved with SHP and their creation of beds for children in need. SHP started receiving funding from the family and their fundraising efforts after she learned of their work. Creating candy bouquets turned into planning fundraisers (with candy bouquets raffled off as one of the many prizes) and the rest is history.

“I feel like I had a calling,” she said.

SHP’s 1,000^th bed was donated Dec. 22, 2025, which happened to be the third anniversary of Brandon’s passing.

“They included us in the 1,000^th bed delivery,” said Cheryl. “They provide a bed at no cost. It’s based on an application process that determines need and not just a want.”

Early donations in the first years of the pasta dinner and their golf tournaments went to Julien’s House, a centre that assists people dealing with grief. It was there where the creation of candy bouquets that were originally the main fundraiser, and now those candy bouquets are raffled off now that the fundraising efforts have grown into a large pasta dinner.

Rick said the goal was $22,000 with the aim of creating 50 beds. Each bed is $450. They were also collecting twin bedding at the fundraiser. At last Sunday’s “bed build” at the SHP site at the corner of Kildare Ave. and Seneca Road in Windsor, it was announced they had raised enough money to build 100 beds for children who don’t already have one.

Brian Cyncone, president and co-founder of the SHP chapter, said they services Windsor-Essex County and have created 1,063 beds for far. That translates into over $478,000 worth of beds.

“We’re all grassroots,” he said. “It’s all volunteers.

After the cheque presentation last Sunday, Cyncone unveiled a banner honouring the family and the rest of “Team Brandon” for their sizable contribution. As for Cheryl and Rick, Cyncone asked “how could you not love them?” and while it’s never easy to lose a family member, they have been able to do great things in Brandon’s memory.

Recalling the 1,000^th bed delivery, Cheryl added it was life changing to see her reaction.

“That was our calling,” Rick added. “That was our sign.”

Brandon was remembered as a fun-loving young man who passed away at the age of 28. 

“He was witty, he was funny, he loved kids,” said Cheryl. “He loved to meet people.”

“He was the class clown,” recalled Rick.

For more information on Sleep in Heavenly Peace or to become involved, visit www.shpbeds.org. 

Fundraiser for area man raises $45k for regional charity

By Ron Giofu