Editors’ note: This story includes personal experiences with addiction and suicidal thoughts.
Ryan Huffman, a REALTOR® and salesperson with eXp Realty Inc. in Cobourg, Ontario, wants others to know second chances are available and they have him in their corner. For someone who once struggled in silence, that means sharing his story even when it’s difficult and helping others find support close to home.
<iframe width="100%" height="425" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/aTWf3pcyWwk?si=uXfDX0CucHOm3b7-" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>In 2019, at the darkest point in his life, Ryan called his mother to say goodbye. Thanks to the quick action of friends and family, shortly afterward he found himself at Ross Memorial Hospital, receiving treatment for drug and alcohol addiction. With his therapy team’s help, he began a 10-month road to recovery. Alongside professional care and support groups, he started working out daily to support his mental health—a practice he continues to this day.
“I made a promise to myself that, A, I was never going to touch drugs or alcohol ever again and, B, I was going to do whatever it takes to make the lives that I can touch and affect and make better a mission, a daily mission,” said Ryan.
Out of treatment and on a new career path in real estate, Ryan rebuilt his life with the help of loved ones. He co-founded a charity golf tournament with the help of his wife, Ashley, and two others, leading to the creation of the Ryan Huffman Foundation, which supports community organizations focused on youth, mental health and addiction.
“What I love about him, he’s solution based,” said Eunice Kirkpatrick, YMCA Northumberland president and CEO. “If a problem comes to his door, he is going to come up with a solution, and a solution that helps break down those barriers that we always face in life.”
With physical activity playing a critical role in his own sobriety, Ryan approached his local YMCA with an idea to make fitness accessible to others, and the UpTurn program was born. Funded by Ryan’s foundation, UpTurn offers free six-month YMCA memberships to people in recovery with low incomes. Participants have full access to the facilities, classes and child play areas. They also receive fitness and meal plans and regular check-ins with program staff.
“Without that financial assistance in the YMCA UpTurn program, I wouldn’t have been able to have that physical exercise, have that mental emotional wellness, that holistic healing that I think is a really big part of recovery,” said program participant Lauralee.
What started at the Cobourg facility quickly expanded to Brighton and Campbellford, tripling the number of participants and providing support to rural residents across Northumberland County. As the program expanded, so did Ryan’s support, ensuring no one referred to the program is turned away due to limited resources.
At the Cobourg YMCA, Ryan’s involvement is part of his daily life. He’s there almost every day working out for mental well-being, touching base with participants and checking what resources staff need.
Beyond the gym, Ryan’s support is just a phone call away for anyone needing a kind voice in a moment of struggle. Knowing the difference it can make in someone’s life, he’s available around the clock to anyone who wants to talk, including participants, family members, and those who’ve heard his story in-person or through the media.
“I think Ryan being open about his recovery, does create a safer space for others in recovery, others like myself,” said Lauralee. “I find myself talking about it more openly now and more proud of myself for the recovery time that I have and that all the second chances that it’s given my life.”
In the future, Ryan hopes to see his foundation continue to grow and UpTurn expand beyond Northumberland. For now, he remains focused on staying active, bringing people together and picking up the phone.
<iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fymcas%2Fposts%2Fpfbid02w8zreUGUV8KjdtG8zt7UbraU2yAo3qifbyTck3zyrCcaYzS75akq3o4EXk34J36Bl&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="576" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe>“We can only keep what we have by giving it away,” said Ryan. “And I truly believe that people were there for me, so I’m going to be there for the people that might need it as well. Second chances are available.”
That’s how this Canadian REALTORS Care® Award 2026 nominee lives the promise he made during treatment. With the foundation team, YMCA staff and a community that continues to show up, Ryan is helping challenge stigma and create opportunities for people in recovery to exercise, find support and feel they belong.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, help is available.
Suicide Crisis Helpline: call or text 9-8-8
For help with substance use: call or text 2-1-1
REALTORS Care® Spotlight shares stories of how featured nominees of the Canadian REALTORS Care® Award are working to make their communities a better place for all.
