THE HAYDEN SOLOMONS AWARD OF DISTINCTION
This award was created by Hayden's family to honour his memory.
Hayden Solomons was the most enthusiastic football fan you could ever meet. Hayden and his wife Robyn, son Max and daughter Halle, all looked forward to every Philadelphia Eagles game, his favourite team.
When they lost Hayden on August 2, 2020, it left his family, friends and entire professional network grieving and wondering how they could adequately build his legacy. His larger-than-life personality, charm and uplifting spirit must live on.
THE HAYDEN SOLOMONS AWARD OF DISTINCTION 2025 RECIPIENT
Jerry Werger
Jerome "Jerry" Philip Werger was born on January 21, 1947, in downtown Toronto to Belle and Harry Werger. Raised alongside his older brother, Allen, Jerry grew up with strong family values, a deep love for his community, and an innate drive to lead by example.
Jerry met his beloved wife, Shelley, in 1972, and the two have shared 53 beautiful years of marriage. Together, they built a close-knit family that includes three married children and nine cherished grandchildren.
Jerry graduated high school in 1967 and embarked on a career in accounting, beginning as a student in public practice with a prominent Montreal firm, Zittrer Siblin Stein Levine & Company. For five years, Jerry thrived in his role, developing lasting relationships with colleagues and clients alike. But soon after marrying Shelley, he left the practice to join his father and brother and bring his expertise to the family’s already successful garment manufacturing business.
From his very first day, Jerry’s expertise had him unloading transport trucks. So began his true education of what it really takes to succeed. Though they lost their father just six years into Jerry's tenure, he and his brother Allen made the decision to stay together and have been working alongside each other for over 50 years.
Over the next 30 years, Jerry helped steer the business into new ventures, including real estate investment. As the garment manufacturing landscape changed with the decline of Canadian department stores like Eatons, Sears, Simpsons etc.), Jerry and Allen pivoted to focus entirely on real estate, building a reputation for excellence in that field as well. Surrounding themselves with good staff and management.
Eventually, the time came to slow down and savour life. Winters in Florida, summers on the golf course, and countless family milestones—from B'nai Mitzvahs to the birth of his ninth grandchild—have filled Jerry’s later years with joy and gratitude. Though Allen has since retired, Jerry still goes to the office daily, often debating politics or the stock market with his brother.
A pillar of philanthropy, Jerry has also dedicated himself to the causes closest to his heart. He began his community involvement as a fundraising volunteer with UJA, eventually co-chairing the Major Gifts Campaign. He went on to serve as National President of the Jewish National Fund of Canada, where he helped support countless initiatives in Israel—a country he loves deeply. Jerry is still somewhat active with the charity in an advisory capacity.
Jerry’s unwavering commitment to Israel and cancer research intersected in a profound way when, during his tenure as National President, he was diagnosed with an incurable form of cancer. Thanks to quick action by his physician and cutting-edge research from the Technion in Israel—funded by ICRF—Jerry began a life-saving treatment with Velcade and ultimately underwent a stem cell transplant. Now approaching the 10-year anniversary of his diagnosis, Jerry remains a living testament to the power of science, hope, and community.
Today, Jerry continues to share his wisdom, celebrate life’s joys, Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, the birth of his 9th grandchild, and express immense gratitude for his family and especially his wife Shelley, whom he credits with keeping him going through life’s greatest challenges (and a beautiful face to look at!).
His story is not only one of survival, but of an extraordinary life lived with purpose, generosity, and love.
About Hayden Solomons z"l
Hayden Allan Solomons was born on April 9th 1966 to Carol and Syd Solomons in Toronto, Ontario.
He spent his formative years on Simeon Court with his three sisters - Susie, Lesley and Lori. He loved his family very much and after his mom passed away in 2006, he and his sisters took such good care of their dad. Hayden spent every Sunday morning together with their cousin Louis at Bagel World on Wilson where they made such special memories. They often had other members of the family join as well. Family was so important to Hayden, and he shared an incredible bond with his sisters and their families.
From a young age, Hayden was incredibly social and outgoing. His house often became the designated ‘party house’ when his parents went to Florida where they went often.