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Testimonials
"I strongly support and admire Mike in so many ways, he is very genuine and honest in wanting to help others, and he is an inspiration. I absolutely recommend anyone struggling with addictions, abuse, or mental health issues attend his session. Your life will be changed in a positive way."
Lorraine Poitras
Counsellor
Action North Recovery
Centre
"Mike's tone and volume of voice was appropriate to the classroom setting with a large group of over 40 teachers. Mike's use of humour was natural and appropriate to the group for which he presented. He was open to feedback in the moment, and his desire to make a difference was clearly communicated."
Charlene Lipoth
School counsellor
O.L.Q.P.
"Mike has a natural, positive and easy manner with tweens and teens. Mike has made a significant contribution to the program and I highly recommend Mike for any future volunteer programs or employment."
Lindsey Skeen
Children's &youth services
Manager @ Airdrie public
Library
"As a true champion of mental health, Mike seeks to inspire others with his own story. Mike is without a doubt a strong and caring leader, with passion and drive for mental health issues which encompasses physical, social, emotional and nutritional well being in his community "
Debbie Turner
M.D.S.C.
“Hello I'm Asia Cremasco, I'm 16 years old. I am a student an a part time model, and my goal is to attend college at Blanche MacDonald centre and become a professional MUA (makeup artist). Surrender 2 Sobriety is an amazing is an amazing cause showing teens that it's okay to be sober in order to have a good time still! So many teenagers are resorting to drugs or alcohol for a "good time" or even for depression/ anxiety so it's a positive message and change to he community that can help save others or even lives.”
Asia Cremasco
“Thank you to Mike for all he does for our community, because of him I have a better understanding of mental illness.”
Tianna Krahn 11
“His performance in our school inspired me and my classmates. I even wrote my own poem based around the topics he was talking about”
Elijah
“Mike is definitely one of the most inspiring people I have met... His passion and enthusiasm to help others in unsurpassed! Hearing bits and pieces of his story and what he has survived and overcome to be where he is today is very humbling, if he can be clean and sober I have faith that I can too... He has a way of making you want to be a better person even when it seems like the world is caving in and trying to swallow your soul... If it wasn't for Mike I'd likely still be drinking that never ending bottle of wine that I called friend but now I call him friend instead :)
Thank you for always being there and supporting me when I need you ”
Leanne Mccafferdy
“Mike has an incredible story of overcoming the odds. When I heard his story, I couldn't believe he was still alive. Mike's message will inspire others to perservere through their challenges and keep moving forward. I would highly recommend him to speak to your audience."
Kelly Falardeau ~International Speaker/BestSelling Author
“Michael is a catalyst for change. When I first met Mike, he was in a place in life that was full of darkness and uncertainties. Over a short period of time, I witnessed great change take form as he rediscovered himself and took ownership for his experiences.... especially his strengths. He took healthy risks for his recovery, all the while showing high motivation for growth and moving forward. He even discovered new talents he never realized, such as crafting beautiful dream catchers and his love to inspire through his life story and motivational speaking. From the ashes he rose. He has proven to be a true inspiration. He faces challenges head on, continues to give and receive support when needed, and to keep reaching for his dreams. It was a privilege to have met Mike several years ago and to see how far he has come. I look forward to hearing many more great things arise from this young man, as he continues to touch hearts and reignite souls.
With Great Respect,
Hiliary Hamelin, RSW
Senior Counsellor,
Action North Recovery Centre
“I first met Mike Loughman through Smart Recovery a few months after the group started in Airdrie back in 2014. I learned he had been a well known drug dealer in Airdrie and also an alcoholic but had recently completed a recovery program in High Level and has never looked back since. He has been invited back to his recovery program twice as a motivational speaker where he has inspired many. He has hosted a fundraiser in Airdrie the past two years to bring attention to mental illness and reduce the stigma associated with it. He has been requested as a guest speaker at many schools and the result is always a student or teacher thanking him for the difference he has made in their life. This always has a great effect on Mike, knowing he has helped someone keeps him even more motivated. This is a person who has gone outside his comfort zone to help people and has had great success. Every success motivates him even further and he has moved so far forward even though he has not always had support from where you'd expect it the most. I believe that Mike Loughman will help many in his lifetime. “
Lisanne Miller
Taxpayer Service Agent
Canada Revenue Agency
“Most teenagers think about trying drugs especially during stressed out times. Listening to Mike's speech opened our eyes to the very painful side of addiction and how bad it can be. He also taught us about the difficult struggles when trying to recover from drug addiction. Mike has now given myself, my friends, and plenty of other teenagers who have heard his speech a better and clearer picture on the life when involved in drugs. He has shown us the things you can lose when getting involved. Mike also taught me how you can become a better person after drugs even after everything he experienced.”
Victoria
“Since I've entered the S.M.A.R.T. recovery program I've come to know Mike is a genuine decent person who I would trust with my own kids. He is honest and just wants to succeed in life. A loyal, kindhearted person who would do anything for you. I know if I needed Mike for anything he would be there no questions asked. That means a lot especially when you're going through recovery. Mike takes his sobriety very serious even though he jokes around quite a bit and smiles a lot he still knows where he started from.(the bottom) I can see Mike staying sober pretty much until the day he dies. The reason I say that is because Mike seeks enjoyment and fulfillment from helping others. I get that sense it's not about him anymore it's about helping others. He has done more for our community than anyone in these programs that I know of. I will stick by his side and set anyone straight who begs to differ. My advice Mike is keep doing what you're doing and please don't let jealous, negative people get you down. Pleasure to have met you Mike you have a friend for life:)”
Yours truly,
Jenny
“Keep doing what you're doing. You're changing lives for the better and saving them as well. You're a god sent. Those kinda people are meant to stand out and you're one of them. This world definitely needs more people like you and if you keep it up there will be. Love the shirts!!!”
Cyndi Fordham
“In the short time that I have had to get to know you I see firsthand what an individual can be capable of if given the right opportunity and support. That's who I strive to be. A good hearted, caring, and kind person who does not pass judgment but passes wisdom. You did more for me in your short couple of days here than I've gotten the entire first week. Be surprised what a few words can do for someone. Very proud of you you have become and the amazing things you're doing to give back to not just your community but all of the people you touch along your journey in life. I will stick out this recovery program and give life everything I have got! Don't give up your dreams and goals because of what I learned from you I won't either! Feels good to know there are good people left in this crazy world. I will definitely be in touch. Always great making new friends especially ones you may have been friends with in a past life. Always stay strong and courageous!
Much love, your brother in spirit,”
Troy B
Mike,
“I appreciate the good words bro. Definitely brought a tear to my eyes that someone I barely know can see such good things in me. Thank you for the presentation. You made me realize I'm not alone in certain aspects of life and that there is always a better path. I have a ton of respect for you buddy. You're a very positive, smart, and caring individual and you don't see that often anymore. I hope you get to inspire a lot more people the way you inspire me. “
Thanks again!
Never change!!
Stay sober and stay safe!!
Your buddy Eddie.
Mike,
“I really enjoyed your presentation here at action north. All the accomplishments you've made in such a short time are truly amazing. I must say, you give hope to a lot of addicts like myself that things can really get better on the outside.your personality is so bubbly and filled with joy. I'm very glad I had the privilege of meeting you and hearing your story, which by the way touched my heart. You're a very strong person and I hope you continue to do amazing things with your life. Hopefully one day our paths will cross again, until that day keep doing what you do best :) staying sober and inspiring the lives of other addicts. “
Sincerely,
Ashley
“In 2015 we were approached by Mike Loughman who wanted to give back to his community. He wanted to hold a Defeat Depression walk/run to raise funds and awareness in his community. Mike demonstrated dedication and passion to the event. He worked tirelessly spreading the word and getting donations and sponsorships from local businesses. On October 17/15 his vision became a reality and his first "UNMASK MENTAL HEALTH-a Halloween themed" Defeat Depression walk/run raised over $7500. Early in 2016 Mike contacted us again to say he was going to start working on his 2nd Annual Defeat Depression Event. On October 15/16 he surpassed last year's efforts and raised more than $10000 for mental health.”
Sincerely,
Ken PorterProgram Manager
Defeat Depression Campaign
“Please consider this a personal reference letter for Mike Loughman. I had the pleasure of working with Mike over the past 6 months while he coordinated a very large fundraiser for The Airdrie Food Bank and The Defeat Depression Campaign.
During that time-frame, he used a variety of skills to ensure his event was successful. Those skills included: commitment, passion, reliability, effective communication, active listening, organizational, marketing and leadership.
Mike let his team to a very successful event in October 2015. He coordinated a group of volunteers and staff from his charity of choice. He met with government officials, local personalities, radio and newspaper contacts. He garnered sponsorship support from the largest array of local companies by thinking outside the box. At my request, Mike has since agreed to and has been a mentor to other fundraising coordinators who are holding their own Defeat Depression event.”
Sincerely,
Debbie Turner-MPM, PMP, Cert.APM
“I have known Mike since I was 13 years old. In all the years we have definitely both had our ups and downs. He has been an inspiration to me and many others. So when my daughter started having some mental health issues and we had tried every avenue including a brief hospital stay, Mike was the only person I could think of that may relate to what she was going thru. So I texted him and he was there to talk to her and give us some options and other choices. He honestly made us see there is a light at the end of the tunnel. I am so thankful for the help he had given us. We support him 1000% in all that he does.”
Deanne Nelson
“Hey this is Kevan Kailik. I'm now 38 days sober for the first time in my life. I have never been sober for more then 2 days in the last 24 years. I have struggled with drinking and drugs my whole life. 38 days ago I felt hopeless and never thought I could overcome addiction. I called up my buddy Mike and went for coffee with him and was hoping he could help me because I knew he was sober and has been for quite sometime. He told me about the options I had and what I could do to better myself. I thank Mike and God that I'm in a better place in my life now and look forward to being sober the rest of my life ”
Kevin Kalik
“I met Mike a few months ago and truly admire this inspiring honest individual! He has a powerful vision, as well as helping others conquer their demons. He is a selfless caring man, always helping others and putting their needs/interests before his own. He would give his shirt off his back for anyone without question. He has inspired me on so many levels to become a better person! He is a true friend and I am honoured to have his positive influences bin my life. Surrender 2 Sobriety is helping so many struggling addicts and alcoholics just like me. Offering help and advice to anyone whom needs/wants it. It's a powerful way for people in recovery to connect and reach out to one another. I love the clothing line as well. I rock my "I Party Sober" hat and shirt all the time. As well as my Surrender 2 Sobriety gear! I am so grateful our journeys crossed paths and support him with all that he is doing and all that he is... Which is pretty damn "AMAZING!!!!!!" Love ya Mike Loughman”
Sincerely Your Bro,
Pete VandeNobelen
“I would say hands down that Mike Loughman helped save my life. My name is Shawn Cox and this is my story. I’ve known Mike for about twenty eight years now. I was twelve years old and growing up in Airdrie, AB. We went to the same school together and that’s how we met. We became friends and hung out from time to time and did some crazy and fun things as kids too. We were both known as trouble makers and had a reputation for it. I was fairly well known and popular in high school and Mike was well known but seemed to have a hard time finding his place among the so called popular kids. Mike was this small guy who would have no problem telling you off and how to get there kind of a kid. I remember him as a kid getting beat up and picked on in those days. My friends and I were hard on Mike and we would make Mike steal stuff, just to hang out with us. He would do just about anything we asked. When high school was over we went our separate ways and lost contact for about 5 years. I moved back to Airdrie after living in the Bay Area California when we reconnected. Mike was still living in our home town Airdrie now had transformed into this really popular guy in town always had drugs, girls, and threw these wild parties at his house. He was living the so called life. I didn’t last long and ended up leaving Airdrie after a few months due to the fact I was doing a lot of drugs and partying at the time and realized I needed help so I just moved away. I remember Mike visited me a time in those days and even tried to knock some sense in me as I was spiraling out of control. It wasn’t till ten years later that Mike and I reconnected thanks to Facebook. This would be last year (2016) and at this time I was strung out on drugs and doing meth. I was going through a lot of stress in life and was suffering in my relationship with long-time girlfriend and my business was falling apart. I was this emotional wreck who turned to drugs as an escape because I didn’t have the right coping skills. Later on I started seeing all these posts on Facebook from Mike about living sober and how he changed his life around and was this advocate for helping people find their way to sobriety. I was inspired enough to message him and since we had good history I felt comfortable enough to open up to Mike about my drug addiction problem and what I was going through. Mike suggested we hang out and catch up so I drove out in my Mustang convertible and we hung out and caught up on old times. I asked about his story and how he became sober and I asked where he went to treatment? He said Action North Recovery Center in High Level, AB. I told him that I felt like it was time for me go to a treatment. I had never really lived my life with any long term sobriety and wanted to know what my life looked like sober as I’ve pretty much did drugs all my life. Mike pulled out his cell, called Action North Recovery Center for me and passed me his phone. I was accepted within the week it happened so fast. Mike saved my life I feel because he pointed me in that direction and inspired me to take action. Little did anyone know that on my way up to treatment about thirty minutes away from arriving? I fell asleep behind the wheel and ended up rolling my Mustang 6 times with the top down going about 120km/hr on the highway. It was a miracle that I wasn’t killed let alone not injured in any way! I was able to just walk away no problem and even took the time to create a video of the accident scene. I’ve never been in a car accident in my life until this moment. It was May 25 2016 the day of the accident also the day I surrendered myself to the realization that I was powerless over my addiction, that my life had become unmanageable. I later learned that this was the first step in the A.A. 12 step program. I was caught with drugs by the RCMP officer at the accident scene and also had a suspended driver’s license. I was expecting to go directly to jail for a long time. I screwed up everything it seemed including my chance to go into treatment. Ended up that Dave the RCMP officer was kind enough to give me a break by not charging me with the drugs and gave me just a driving charge, and since I had no place to stay, he was kind enough to get a hotel room for me and since I had no car anymore, a free bus ticket anywhere within 200km. Dave even drove me over to the hotel and helped me check in and helped carry my bags and belongings to the room. Nice guy he was. Turned out too when I went to court for that driving charge it got thrown out of court because apparently the officer never swore the ticket in? Call it luck or whatever but I think Dave supported my efforts to clean up my life. When I told Mike about the accident and what happened he asked me if I had used drugs on my way up. I admitted that I did meth on the way up and told him to not tell the treatment center. He said he wouldn’t tell them, but was he was major disappointed that I should have respected the 5 day no using rule. I called the center telling that I got in this horrific car crash and that I could be there first thing in the morning. They told me that that I missed the admittance time and was too late. They wouldn’t even accept my accident as a valid reason for my lateness. They told me that if I wanted back into their program I was to go to a detox facility for two weeks before I would be allowed to come back. Mike apparently confessed to the center I had used drugs on my way up I later learned, but of course I wasn’t mad because I knew he was coming from a good place and cared enough about me to help me do things the right way was all. It seemed to be perfect timing to come back and start my treatment program after those two weeks in detox as Mike was to be an honoured guest and special speaker at the treatment center. You see I believe Mike had a part in helping me save my life because he helped me in that direction to get there, supported me while I was there and even after I successfully completed the program I have enjoyed a new found freedom of living life sober and clean. I’m truly happy in life now and much healthier. Thank you Mike for everything you’ve done for me and for what you do for others. Keep up the great work you’re a true inspiration.”
Sincerely
Shawn CoxHaving a big sale, on-site celebrity, or other event? Be sure to announce it so everybody knows and gets excited about it.