You don’t start with the biggest goal – you build it one brick at a time.
– Quake Matthews Interview with HipHop Canada
Quake Matthews is a Canadian hip-hop artist and songwriter from Halifax, Nova Scotia, known for his honest storytelling and powerful lyrics. Starting as a teenage battle rapper, Quake turned personal challenges into music that inspires and connects with listeners, exploring themes of resilience, growth, and overcoming adversity.
He has released acclaimed albums including Celebrate the Struggle and PHANTOM, and has received awards such as SOCAN Songwriter of the Year, the East Coast Music Award for Rap/Hip-Hop Recording of the Year, and selection for the Allan Slaight JUNO Master Class. He even has a feature on Ice Cube’s album, Man Up.
As the keynote speaker at this recovery event, Quake shares his journey of perseverance and self-discovery, showing how embracing one’s story and creativity can be a powerful path to healing and transformation.
JRDN is an acclaimed Canadian R&B and soul artist from Halifax, Nova Scotia, whose music blends heartfelt lyrics with smooth, expressive vocals. Growing up between Nova Scotia and Ontario, he was shaped by diverse musical influences that sparked his love for performance and storytelling. JRDN first caught national attention as a contestant on Canadian Idol, an experience that opened doors to professional recording opportunities and collaborations with established artists and producers, setting the stage for his music career.
His breakthrough arrived with the release of IAMJRDN in 2010, featuring two Gold-certified singles, “U Can Have It All” and “Like Magic”. Both tracks reached the Canadian Hot 100 and became fixtures on MuchMusic, cementing his place as a leading voice in Canadian R&B. Over the years, JRDN has continued to captivate audiences with his authentic storytelling, combining personal reflection with catchy, soulful melodies.
JRDN’s artistry has been recognized with numerous accolades. He is a JUNO Award winner for New Artist of the Year and R&B/Soul Recording of the Year, a recipient of the SOCAN Urban Music Award for “Like Magic”, and a winner of the CBC Galaxie Rising Star Award at the African Nova Scotian Music Awards. He has also earned multiple nominations at the East Coast Music Awards, highlighting his lasting impact on the Canadian music scene.
Through his personal journey — from aspiring athlete to renowned recording artist — JRDN embodies the power of perseverance, self‑discovery, and creative expression as meaningful paths to healing and growth.
Terrance Irene (Teri Boates) is a Nova Scotia born singer/songwriter, actor, and writer.
Her songs and storytelling focus on her complex emotions, mental health, and life experiences. After surviving a stroke in 2023, she’s ready to share her journey and find her place back on stage.
Every challenge we face has the power to shape us. Through perseverance and self-belief, we can turn struggle into purpose.
– JRDN
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.
QUAKE MATTHEWS Hip-Hop/Rap Artist
JRDN R&B/Soul Artist
JAY BARNARD Executive Director – E2R Event Organizer
HEIDI JIROTKA Co-Founder The NMWH Project Event Organizer
BELINDA NAUGLER ADAMS Co-Founder The NMWH Project Event Organizer
TERI BOATES Recovering and Self-Discovering
LYNDY MCLELLAN Clean since March 29 2023 AA, CA, and NA advocate
BRYTTON ELLSWORTH Let Go. Let God.
BETH MYERS Sober since March 8th, 2024
CASSIDY MEGAN Founder of Purple Day
SOPHIA WENTZELL Never Give Up
SHELBY ADAMS More than my illness – what crohns couldn’t take
KRISTA MILLER Manager of Roof 25 Homeless Shelter
MATTHEW KNICKLE A voice for those struggling and lost
JOSIE RUDDERHAM Executive Director South Shore Open Doors Association (SSODA)
JOHN D. GILBERT, PCP, EMD-A When ND, PTSD & EtOH Collided
DEIDREA DESMOND Stepping Stone Volunteer
This Bridgewater event is the first of its kind in Atlantic Canada, and 2026 marks its second year.
In partnership with Empower2Recover, we are dedicated to supporting individuals, and those who love them, on their journey to recovery from addiction, trauma, and mental health challenges.
Heidi & Belinda Co-Founders, The No Matter What Happens Project
A project in honour of our niece, Hannah.
Bridgewater’s Battle for Recovery 2 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.
AMANDA RING
“Something’s Gotta Change”
– Quake Matthews
Linda & Barry Naugler Laszlo Pozsonyi Pam Linders and Clyde Thornhill
Also, thank you to the anonymous individuals who have made donations.
Your support means the world to us, and we’re so grateful for each one of you!