Jamie Courtorielle - Riding 4 Mentors
Jamie Courtorielle, a 26 year old aboriginal has lived a crazy life spending nearly 10 years within his addiction and living the "Street-life." Within the influences of his immediate family, he gained the knowledge of ‘hustling.’ Upon being out-casted, he took to the streets and found a place amongst his "street-family." In the years to follow he got caught for many crimes, starting with small theft & drugs, escalating to a home invasion, then to a high-speed chase, which inevitably wound him up in jail.
Just over three years ago, he was living that 'street life,' still trapped in this vicious cycle, which had him going down a path of destruction again. Sick and tired of spinning his wheels, he decided it was time to make some life altering choices.
He has been in recovery for three years and along the way he has completed treatment, completed a Quest for Success program; graduated from Concordia University’s UCEP program with honours, became their Alumni, and has been their graduate and welcoming speaker. As a former iHuman Youth Society client he is now their senior iHuman Alumni Ambassador, focusing on helping others and speaking about the iHuman program.
He is committed to sharing his learning on his challenging life experiences and the journey to recovery. He has been an invited guest speaker at Grant Mac Ewan, Pheonix Academy, Thomas Moore Academy, Bosco Homes, Concordia College and most recently at Edmonton City Hall on behalf of the iHuman Youth Society.
Today, Jamie is embarking on a bike ride to share his motivational talks across Canada. He’s Riding 4 Mentors & Cycling 4 Change. He passionately believes it is important to show others who are caught up in addiction & street-life that, no matter what their circumstances are, there is a way to a life where goals and dreams can come true by living a healthy lifestyle within recovery. His energy and positive spirit is contagious, inspirational and he brings a wonderful message of hope for all.
Goals: My goal is to pedal to every Major city in each province through-out Canada to bring my motivational speeches to new heights. My history is my tool for both educational and inspirational purposes; sharing my life in addiction to my success has become my gift. This is where I plan to plant that seed of hope within those who are still struggling. This is where I plan to find those mentors to influence others to take those necessary steps to "escaping that vicious lifestyle."
Vision: Riding 4 Mentors & Cycling 4 Change will attract attention from those from both sides of the fence; Decision makers, Front line workers, and yes, those who are trapped within their addictions. In order for a successful recovery everyone needs to be intune, everyone needs to be inspired, everyone needs to be motivated, and the addict, they need to 'See' change can take place. With that, "Hope" will take place, then "Desire/Dedication," then "Believing." What does this create? The route to achieving a successful future!
Website: Riding 4 Mentors - Cycling for Change
Blog: riding4mentors.blogspot.ca
Facebook: facebook.com/Riding4Mentors
Twitter: @Riding4Mentors