Champions for Charity: How Boxing, Community, and Heart Took Over Tapestry Hall

On April 4, 2024, the beautiful Tapestry Hall in Cambridge, Ontario, was filled with music, cheers, and an energy you could feel in your bones. The reason? The annual Champions for Charity event—The Brawl at Tapestry Hall—was in full swing.

This wasn’t just any boxing event. The black-tie, Vegas-style fight night is where local business professionals step into the ring for a cause bigger than themselves. Some had never even worn boxing gloves before this. But they trained hard, showed up strong, and fought with heart to raise money for children’s charities, including McMasters Children’s Hospital, KidsAbility, and Scotland’s Yard. 

And they didn’t just raise a little—they raised over $700,000! Let’s examine what made this event special, how it began, and who helped bring it to life.

Where It All Started: Mandy Bujold’s Vision

Two-time Olympic boxer and proud community leader Mandy Bujold founded Champions for Charity. She didn’t just want to hold a fundraiser; she wanted to build something meaningful.

“Champions for Charity started as a way for me to merge two things I’m deeply passionate about: boxing and this community,” Mandy shared. “I wanted to create an event that would uniquely challenge people while making a real impact.”

She’s right—boxing isn’t just about throwing punches. It’s about discipline, heart, and pushing through hard times. Mandy wanted to turn those lessons into something anyone could be a part of, even if they’d never boxed before.

Since the first event, it’s grown like crazy. What started as a cool idea has now become a full-on experience. Every year, dozens of people train for 15 weeks before stepping into the ring. And it’s not just about the fight. It’s about the journey, the friendships, and the support they give to amazing causes along the way.

The Energy on Fight Night

April 4th wasn’t just another Friday night. From the moment the first bell rang, the crowd was on fire. People cheered, clapped, and jumped out of their seats with every bout. There was music, lights, and even a few happy tears.

Mandy shared what made the night special for her:

“Watching the fighters’ transformation from day one to the moment they step into the ring—seeing their hard work, nerves, and excitement all come together—was incredible.”

And you could feel that transformation in the air. These weren’t professional boxers. They were teachers, business owners, parents, and everyday folks who trained like champs.

Another moment Mandy would never forget?

“The moment we revealed that we had raised over $700,000 for children’s charities was defining. It was a testament to what’s possible when people come together for a purpose greater than themselves.”

That’s the power of community.

SydFIT’s Role in Training Champions

Behind every fighter is a great coach—and at Champions for Charity, the Red and Blue teams were led by two of the best.

Former super middleweight champion and founder of SydFIT Health Centre, Coach Syd Vanderpool, led the Red Team with his trademark positivity and confidence. He guided his fighters through intense training and mental challenges, helping them grow stronger every step of the way.

On the Blue Team, Canadian Champion boxer Kaitlyn Clark brought unmatched energy, heart, and fierce determination. Known for her powerful presence and supportive leadership, Kaitlyn was in the trenches, pushing her team and cheering them on through every round.

Both teams trained at SydFIT, which became more than just a gym—it became home. It’s where new friendships were formed, limits were tested, and confidence took root.

From early morning sparring to mastering footwork and getting through tough days together, SydFIT played a huge role in preparing these champions for the fight of their lives.

More Than Just a Fight Night

While the boxing matches were exciting (and trust us—they were!), this event was about more than the ring.

Every punch thrown, every bead of sweat, and every high-five after a round was all for kids in need. The money raised goes to children’s charities that help families, provide support, and build stronger futures.

Mandy explained it best:

“This event is about building a stronger, more connected community where people support each other, push past their limits, and fight for something meaningful.”

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Champions for Charity?

As Champions for Charity wraps up its third successful year, Mandy Bujold hopes the momentum keeps growing. Her goal isn’t just to get more people into the ring but also to encourage them to grow, give back, and step outside their comfort zones.

“We’ve already started recruiting for 2026!” she shared with excitement. “I want to see more fighters, more community involvement, and even greater impact year after year.”

Mandy also hopes the event helps shift how people view boxing—not just as a sport but as a powerful way to connect with others, build resilience, and spark real change in the community.

Want to Get Involved?

Champions for Charity might be your calling if you’ve ever thought about trying something new, getting in shape, or giving back powerfully. Whether you want to train, volunteer, cheer from the crowd, or donate, there’s a place for you in this movement.

And if you’re looking for a gym that truly supports you every step of the way, SydFIT Health Centre is where it’s at. With coaches like Syd Vanderpool and Kaitlyn Clark and a community that lifts each other, it’s more than a gym—it’s a family.

Final Bell

The Brawl at Tapestry Hall showed us what’s possible when people come together—with heart, gloves, and purpose.

From the fighters who trained for months to the coaches who guided them, to the roaring crowd who showed up to support the cause—this was a night to remember.

Most importantly, it was a reminder that real champions don’t just fight in the ring—they fight for something bigger.

As Mandy Bujold put it:

“If Champions for Charity can inspire more people to give back and embrace the lessons from the ring while also making a lasting impact for children’s charities, then we’ve truly created something special.”

Interested in learning more or signing up for the next round? Visit the Champions for Charity website or SydFIT Health Centre and follow along on social media for updates.