This summer, one Canadian dad is hitting the pavement — not just to cruise, but to carry a message.
Matt Keay, a Calgary-based entrepreneur, filmmaker, father of three, and alcoholic in long-term recovery, is skateboarding across Canada to raise awareness about something close to his heart: Dad’s in recovery. His journey isn’t about world records or endurance feats. It’s about visibility, conversation, and joking around.
“Look, I’m not Terry Fox,” Matt laughs. “This isn’t about athleticism. It’s about reminding dads — especially those in recovery — that they’re not alone. It’s about bringing a new kind of conversation, one where we roll forward together.”
The tour is called “The Designated Screwdriver Tour”, a nod to Matt’s new book Designated Screwdriver, a raw, sometimes hilarious, always honest Gonzo Journalism book that weaves together addiction, recovery, and entrepreneurship with painful clarity and hopeful resolution.
Along the way, Matt will be making stops in towns and cities across the country, meeting with dads in recovery, speaking at community centres, treatment facilities, and skateparks, all while spotlighting a new Calgary-based nonprofit dedicated to supporting fathers who are rebuilding their lives after addiction.
“So many men don’t talk about their recovery with other Dad’s – or worse, their own kids,” Matt says. “Often believing there’s no way back — no chance to rebuild trust. But there is. You can be the trusted Dad again. We just need to talk about it. Vision first – provision later”
Matt’s had a successful filmmaking and as and agency leader working with global brands. Through his journey, addiction took its toll on his health, his work, and his relationships. A near-fatal car crash became his wake-up call. In recovery for several years, he has channeled his energy into storytelling, business-building, and service.
“Many dads in recovery don’t need advice,” he says. “They need a glimpse of what’s possible. I’m in the hope business.”
His book, Designated Screwdriver, is being released in excerpts for free on X (formerly Twitter). Readers can follow along @keay_matt for chapters, tour updates, and reflections from the road.
Matt’s tour kicks off this July in Victoria and will conclude in St. John’s — thousands of kilometres later — powered by one skateboard, one mission, and a community of dads rediscovering their path forward.
🛹 Follow the Ride
Tour updates, live reflections, and free excerpts from the book available on X: @keay_matt
Sometimes, the road to redemption starts with a push.
