The No Matter What Happens Project
Bridgewater’s Battle for Recovery
April 25th, 2025 10AM – 6PM
The No Matter What Happens Project
Bridgewater’s Battle for Recovery
April 25th, 2025 10AM – 6PM
“It’s still mind blowing, I went from thinking that I was going to die a using drug addict and alcoholic to living a life that I never believed was possible.
Recovery has taught me how to show up, handle my emotions, most of the time think logically, consistently find spiritual solutions … not only find solutions but also search for the willingness to execute them.”
– Colicchie
We are dedicated to supporting individuals on their journey to recovery from addiction and mental health challenges.
We are partnered with Empower2Recover to assist its founders in events nationwide to inspire, educate, and connect communities.
The event we are most excited about is in Bridgewater, our hometown. It will be the first of its kind in Atlantic Canada.
Heidi & Belinda
Co-Founders, The No Matter What Happens Project
A project in honour of our niece.
Colicchie is a rapper from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, known for his raw and emotional songs about addiction and recovery. His music often tells his personal story of battling substance abuse, hitting rock bottom, and finding redemption through sobriety.
His song “Drug Addiction” went viral in 2017, gaining millions of views and resonating with people struggling with addiction. Since then, he’s continued making music that inspires and supports the recovery community. His lyrics focus on pain, struggle, and hope, making him a powerful voice for those on the journey to healing.
Colicchie’s music is more than just words—it’s a movement. His message of hope, healing, and resilience is helping people everywhere find the strength to overcome their struggles.
When our niece was in recovery, she listened to Colicchie a lot – she loved him, his baby daughter, his music, and his message.
He gave her hope.
Having Colicchie come to Bridgewater is deeply personal for us. We are incredibly touched and honoured that he will be in our hometown, sharing that same hope at an event born from the loss of our sweet niece.
– Heidi & Belinda
Niece/Aunt text on Christmas morning 2019.
One8Tea, born Teah Bailey, is an award-winning Canadian hip-hop and gospel artist. Throughout his life, he has faced significant challenges, including homelessness and a severe cocaine addiction. In 2010, he entered a faith-based rehabilitation program called Teen Challenge, and upon graduating in 2011, he founded One8Tea Ministries. This organization is dedicated to supporting youth across Canada through concerts and workshops that address topics such as faith, bullying, teen suicide, and drug awareness.
Some of his awards:
2017: Won the Covenant Award for Rap Album of the Year for his album Reverence.
2021: Made history by becoming the first Black artist to win a Music New Brunswick (MNB) Award, receiving the Song of the Year award for I Guess It’s Complicated.
2022: Won the ECMA for Rap/Hip-Hop Recording of the Year for Ventilation 2.
2022: Covenant Awards: Rap Song of the Year and Rap Artist of the Year.
2022: Covenant Awards: Rap Artist of the Year.
2023: Covenant Awards: Rap Artist of the Year.
Website: https://one8tea.com/
“Secrets keep us sick. I’m just completely open about my life and, honestly, the rewards have been infinite.”
– Colicchie
Interview with CBC News
Abi Mack is a 20-year-old singer-songwriter based in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Her music draws inspiration from her personal experiences with mental health challenges, including anxiety, PTSD, depression, and trauma.
Through her lyrics, Abi aims to break the stigmas surrounding mental health and create a safe space for listeners to feel less alone.
Website: https://www.officialabimack.com/
More musical guests to be announced.
More musical guests to be announced.
“The strongest people were once the weakest, but they decided to fight.”
– Colicchie
This event is dedicated to amplifying voices and perspectives from a wide range of experiences. We recognize that recovery is unique to each individual, and we honour that diversity. We believe in the power of listening and embracing differing viewpoints.
Colicchie
Hip-Hop/Rap Artist
Jay Barnard
Executive Director – Founder
Empower2Recover Foundation
Event Organizer
Heidi Jirotka
Co-Founder The NMWH Project
Event Organizer
Belinda Naugler Adams
Co-Founder The NMWH Project
Event Organizer
One8Tea
One8Tea Ministries
Rapper
Gerard Flynn
Aftercare/Family Coordinator
Crosbie House Addiction Centre
32 Years Clean
Alicia and Ellie Osbourne
Wellness Advocates
Alma Harlow
CAN’T STOP
WON’T STOP
Deven Kennedy
Resilience Through Fitness
“Bobcat” Rossong
Sober since July 28th, 2023
Kelly Slade
TNBC Warrior
Angel Mamma
Self Care Queen
Krista Miller
Advocate for Harm Reduction,
Addiction & Recovery
NOTHING ABOUT US WITHOUT US!
Abi Mack
Singer/Songwriter
Mental Health Advocate in Recovery
Hailey Rodenhiser
Cancer (Leukaemia) Survivor
Support Organization Advocate
Aspiring Author and Actor
This is a powerful opportunity to hear directly from leaders working to improve mental health and addiction services in our province.
The Honourable Brian Comer, MLA
Minister of Addictions and Mental Health
Minister Responsible for the Office
Member of the Legislative Assembly
Mayor Jamie Myra
Town of Lunenburg
On April 25th, Bridgewater’s Battle for Recovery will proudly present a special screening of No Family is Immune. This powerful short film shares the story of Justin Surette, offering an intimate look at the profound impact of addiction and mental health challenges on families. Through his journey, the film aims to raise awareness, spark meaningful conversations, and remind us that no family is immune to these struggles.
TBA
Amanda Ring
Sound Activation
“My past does not define me, my actions today do.”
– Colicchie
According to the Government of Canada, an estimated 21% of Canadians will meet the criteria for addiction in their lifetime.
We hope our event will have a profound impact on Bridgewater and will be life-changing for our community.
Let’s stop addiction before it starts.
Want to support us in this effort for change?
The Burke Family
Barry & Linda Naugler
Greg & Susan Beazley
Josh LaVoie
Thank you to the anonymous individuals who have made donations.
A big thank you to everyone who bought bracelets and shared such kind words with us! Your support means the world to us, and we’re so grateful for each one of you!
Learn how you can support this event.
H.O.P.E. (Hold On Pain Ends)
– Colicchie
Your ticket includes a full day of powerful speakers, live entertainment, a catered lunch, valuable resources, and meaningful connections.
Bridgewater Best Western Plus
April 25th, 2025
10AM – 6PM
$50 per person
Want to support this event, but not able to attend?
Want to attend the event, but under financial hardship?
“Take my hand and walk with me”
– Colicchie
About The No Matter What Happens Project
We are Heidi Jirotka and Belinda Naugler Adams. The No Matter What Happens Project (NMWH) is a heartfelt tribute to our beloved niece who passed away in 2023 at the age of 25.
March 2024, NMWH partnered with a Canada-wide, non-profit foundation called Empower2Recover Foundation (E2R).
Our focus is to assist Jay Barnard (E2R Executive Director and Founder) with digital assets to bring live recovery events to communities across Canada giving hope to those dealing with trauma, mental health, and addiction. E2R live events bring people together to hear real stories and solutions from those who’ve been through it. The event is a day packed with speakers, live entertainment, resources, vendors, and a catered lunch.
Want to learn more about the Empower2Recover Foundation (E2R), Jay Barnard, and his work?
Here’s a list of upcoming and past events. The one we’re most excited about is in Bridgewater, our hometown.
Past Events
Calgary 2, Alberta (March 2025)
Shoal Lake, Ontario (February 2025)
Ottawa, Ontario (November 2024)
Thunder Bay, Ontario (October 2024)
Fort Frances, Ontario (September 2024)
Kenora, Ontario (September 2024)
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan (August 2024)
Edmonton, Alberta (May 2024)
Timmons, Ontario (April 2024)
Online Event (April 2024)
Calgary, Alberta (March 2023)
“This isn’t an epidemic, this is more like an apocalypse.
We gotta do this together, we must trust.
There’s no you, there’s no me, there’s just us.”
– Colicchie
No Matter What Happens Bracelet
Each aluminum cuff bracelet is individually made with thought, love, and intention. Scuffed, scarred, and delicate as our souls. “NO MATTER WHAT HAPPENS” cuffs are made to encourage, motivate and remind you that you are important and capable. -Jessi (maker)
$25 plus shipping