Our Mission
Not Today’s mission is to actively drive real change and elevate the conversation surrounding men’s mental health. We collaborate with local businesses and community members to develop accessible programs that provide support for those who are struggling. People want to take care of each other, especially in their local communities, and we’re going to give them that opportunity. Our unique approach involves organizing local events to raise money and provide the necessary resources for change. The money we raise is directly reinvested in the communities where the events take place, with a particular emphasis on local businesses and sponsors contributing to the cause. This model of localized support creates a strong network of care, where individuals are reassured by the tangible presence of help and support within their own community.
Our Team
Hello, I’m Lee
As the president of a mental health charity, I’ve learned that our struggles, particularly with mental health, are a shared human experience. My journey, filled with personal challenges and hard-earned wisdom, shapes my dedication to ‘Not Today’ and its mission.
My life has been a series of countless mistakes and lessons. Like many, I’ve navigated through a maze of decisions, relationships, and trials. These experiences, while often tough, have carved a path to where I am today. Reflecting back, I often joke, I’m a 100-year-old man in a younger man’s body, having lived lifetimes in mere decades.
But it’s not the mistakes we should focus on; it’s the lessons they teach us. Each error, each misstep, has been a stepping stone to understanding and resilience. If given a chance to rewrite my past, I wouldn’t. These experiences, particularly the most challenging ones, have led me to where I need to be.
‘Not Today’ was born from a profound realization: a single act of support, at the right moment, can be life-changing. It’s about extending a hand when it’s needed the most, not just when it’s convenient. This belief is the cornerstone of our charity.
Life, as I’ve learned, is a journey of setting and resetting our compasses. Through every decision, mistake, and success, we gain speed in learning and adapting. This speed, born of experience, has been my greatest teacher. While facing life’s adversities, I unknowingly equipped myself with invaluable insights about life, business, and personal growth, much faster than I ever realized.
My story mirrors the average person’s in many ways. If we were to sit down together, I could share tales of loss, family struggles, financial crises, and personal battles. Yet, what truly defines us is not the hardships we encounter but how we respond to them. I’ve faced numerous challenges, realizing that the ultimate battle is with oneself. Success, wealth, and happiness are not dictated by external circumstances but by our internal strength and resilience.
One critical lesson life taught me is the dual nature of wealth. Money can accelerate learning from mistakes, but it can also be overwhelming, especially without mental fortitude. The most difficult periods in my life weren’t defined by scarcity, but rather by abundance. It’s easy to lose sight of your principles and yourself when life becomes too comfortable.
Sharing my story is not about dwelling on the past but about inspiring a future – for myself and for others. ‘Not Today’ is more than a charity; it’s a commitment to principles that foster daily abundance: Health, Fitness, Family, Finances, and Future. Embracing excellence in one aspect of life can ignite a transformative fire, touching every part of your existence and positively impacting those around you.
Remember, when you choose to be extraordinary, that choice reverberates through every facet of your life and community. Together, let’s make ‘Not Today’ a beacon of hope and strength for all who need it.”
I am a country music singer and musician who found my voice on the stages of Nashville. My music is inspired and based in the traditions of storytelling through music. I try to touch the hearts of audiences with the intention of leaving a lasting impact. My journey through music has been shared far and wide and I truly love what I do.
Beyond the music and stages, my path took an extraordinary turn finding sobriety and leading a transformative four-month tour across Canada. This wasn’t just a musical journey; it was a deep dive into the hearts and minds of students and educators. During this tour, I discovered my knack for speaking, connecting with audiences through stories that transcended music. My composition “16 Sticks,” dedicated to the Humboldt Broncos, is an emotional example of my commitment to conveying messages of hope through my songwriting.
My dedication to men’s mental health extends beyond melodies and lyrics. I have a deep commitment to mental health advocacy. Co-founding NOT-TODAY! was a natural step for me, allowing me to extend my impact beyond the stage. Hosting “The Greg Rider Show” has been another avenue to engage with critical societal issues, providing a much-needed platform for open and honest dialogue.
Facing a late-in-life ADHD diagnosis, I’ve embraced this aspect of my journey as a symbol of resilience and continuous personal growth. Rather than seeing it as a setback, I view it as a unique strength that has shaped my perspective and approach to life and art. My one-man show is more than just a musical performance; it’s a fusion of storytelling, music, and motivation that reflects my journey and passions. It’s an experience that I hope not only entertains but also inspires and resonates with everyone I have the privilege to encounter.
In every note I play and every word I share, I strive to embody the spirit of an artist who goes beyond mere performance to make a meaningful impact on society and on the lives of individuals.
How We Got Started
A handful of years ago, I found myself at a crossroads. Externally, I appeared to have it all, but internally, I was grappling with a generational battle against alcoholism. I knew that if I wanted to become the person I envisioned – a devoted father, friend, husband, and more – I had to confront this challenge head-on. Despite repeated attempts and failures, I clung to a symbol of hope: a wristband inscribed with “Not Today” on one side and “Keep Going” on the other. It was a constant reminder of the person I aspired to be, a beacon guiding me away from my struggles with drinking.
The idea of creating a charity named ‘Not Today’ was always in my mind, but imposter syndrome gnawed at me. I feared that in trying to help others, I was merely trying to save myself. Despite appearing successful, I had been hospitalized several times due to alcoholism, cycling through the all-too-familiar stages of this illness. It was a harrowing realization, but change, though elusive, was not impossible.
Greg Rider, a man I had met years earlier during a dodgeball tournament marked by excess celebrating, became an unexpected source of inspiration. We lost touch for nearly a decade, but I followed his journey online, witnessing his own battles with alcoholism and his quest for personal growth through his music. When I learned of his year of sobriety, I was compelled to reach out, eager to learn from his path and forge my own.
Our reconnection was a turning point. We shared the loneliness and challenges of our journeys, realizing how desperately we could have used support. It was then that I shared my vision for ‘Not Today’ with Greg. His enthusiasm and creativity breathed life into the concept, and we began to mold our ideas into something tangible.
Then, six months into our planning, Greg called with a proposition: to launch a charity golf tournament in Strathmore, Alberta, in just 30 days. Despite the new addition to my family, life and business commitments, I accepted the challenge. In those 30 days, we accomplished what seemed impossible. The golf tournament was a resounding success, supported by an incredible community eager to contribute to mental health initiatives. We raised significant funds and proved to ourselves that ‘Not Today’ was more than just a dream.
Joined by Colleen McMillan, we formed a passionate board, united in our mission to revolutionize men’s mental health across Canada. This is just the beginning of our story, a narrative we are excited to continue writing. Our goal is to establish ‘Not Today’ as a sanctuary for men seeking help, a platform for sharing their stories, and a supportive community to guide them through their struggles and triumphs.
About Mental Health
In our quest for a balanced life, we often overlook a fundamental truth: mental health is the cornerstone of our well-being. It’s a vital gauge, as crucial as our physical health, financial stability, and the strength of our relationships. Today, I urge you, as a community and as individuals, to recognize and prioritize mental health. This isn’t just a call for awareness; it’s a call to action.
We live in a world where the silence around mental health has cost us dearly – in happiness, potential, and tragically, in lives. This must change. Mental health is not a luxury or an afterthought; it’s the bedrock upon which we build a life of fulfillment and resilience. When our mental health falters, everything else teeters on the brink.
It’s time for us to collectively rewrite the narrative around mental health. It’s time to see it not as a weakness but as an integral part of our human experience. By fostering an environment where mental well-being is nurtured, we open the door to stronger communities, healthier relationships, and individuals who are empowered to reach their fullest potential.
Imagine a society where taking care of our mental health is as routine and valued as physical fitness or financial planning. Where conversations about mental health are met with support, not silence. Where each of us feels empowered to seek help without fear of judgment. This is the society we must strive to create.
The change begins with us – with our actions, our words, and our willingness to stand up against any stigma. It starts with prioritizing our mental health, with recognizing its impact on every aspect of our lives. Let’s commit to keeping our mental health ‘tank’ full, to understanding its nuances, and to supporting each other in this journey.
This is our moment to champion mental health, to embrace its significance, and to save lives. Let’s make this change together, for a world where mental well-being is not just hoped for but actively pursued. Our future, our health, and our lives depend on it. Let’s act now and make mental health a priority – for ourselves, for our loved ones, and for our communities.