BRIDGEWATER'S BATTLE FOR RECOVERY 2
APRIL 24, 2026

Empowering Journeys. Celebrating Resilience.

BRIDGEWATER'S BATTLE FOR RECOVERY 2
APRIL 24, 2026

Empowering Journeys. Celebrating Resilience.

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!

Learn how you can support this event.

“When the rain keeps pouring,
we keep giving up just to try again.
Turn around and the sun comes out.”

– JRDN

Connect with The No Matter What Happens Project