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R.E.A.L. Men Breakfast | Sep 20, 2025
Why have a breakfast for men? Why not? Men need a safe place to connect with each other.
That’s why we have the R.E.A.L. MEN’S BREAKFAST!!
It has never been more CRUCIAL that men put into action a new vision and ideal of what’s possible.
Truly, men are at a crossroads… and we have a collective opportunity to empower men to be the best they can be.
R.E.A.L. Men is a collaborative of diverse men from all walks of life and ages who believe that “R.E.A.L.” Men represent:
R – Respect | Respect For Yourself, and Respect For Others
E – Empathy | Seeing, Hearing, and Supporting The People You Love
A – Authenticity | Showing Up Fully and With Authenticity
L – Leadership | Leading Yourself, Leading Others
Why Attend a R.E.A.L. Men’s Event?
- Networking: Connect with other men who share your aspirations and values
- Inspiration: Gain insights from our hosts’ unique experiences in personal growth, leadership, and mental health
- Empowerment: Leave with actionable strategies to embrace the REAL qualities in your daily life.
- Support: Join a community that encourages and uplifts each other in the journey of self-improvement
The Hidden Struggles of Men
Hosted By: Abe Brown, Bao Hua
Featured Speaker: Bruce Holstead – Executive Director, Fresh Start Recovery
Bruce Holstead has been a part of the recovery community in Alberta for over 25 years, both personally and professionally. His journey has been one of service, leadership, and deep connection, helping shape how addiction recovery is understood and delivered across the province. At every stage, his focus has remained on building strong, inclusive communities where healing is possible and recovery is sustainable.
With more than a decade as Director of Operations and now as Executive Director, Bruce has been central to Fresh Start’s transformation into a leading organization for long-term recovery. He played a key role in redesigning the program and operating model, strengthening the continuum of care, and ensuring that treatment, housing, and ongoing support services are accessible to those who need them most. Under his guidance, Fresh Start has more than doubled its treatment capacity across Alberta and expanded its recovery-oriented housing, making recovery a reality for hundreds more individuals and families each year.
Bruce’s work has consistently centred on those facing the most complex challenges, individuals living with addiction, experiencing homelessness, or navigating multiple barriers to stability. His experience includes creating and managing nationally recognized social enterprises and training programs, forging partnerships that connect people to opportunity, and advocating for systems that promote dignity, inclusion, and belonging.
At the heart of his leadership is a commitment to Generosity, Gratitude, and Community, the values that guide Fresh Start’s work and the relationships it fosters. Bruce’s influence extends beyond organizational walls, helping to unite staff, alumni, community partners, and stakeholders in a shared vision of recovery. Grounded in his own long-term recovery, he continues to work alongside others to strengthen a movement rooted in connection, compassion, and collective impact, leaving a lasting imprint on the recovery landscape in Alberta and beyond.
Date : September 20, 2025, from 9:00am to 11:00am
Cost: $25 In Person or $10 Livestream Online
Theme: The Hidden Struggles Of Men
We look forward to welcoming you to the REAL Men’s Breakfast!