"Music saved my life"

Sean McCann, best known as a former singer of Great Big Sea, turned to alcohol to drown the trauma he saw at an early age.

When he was 15-years-old, Sean McCann was sexually assaulted by his priest. 

For 35 years he turned to the bottle to numb his pain. 

Now, six years sober, he is touring as both a solo artist and mental health advocate sharing his story. 

McCann stopped by the Ozanam Recovery House in Kelowna Monday to share his story with those also battling alcohol addiction.  

"The key to my recovery was acknowledging truth and dealing with it. That's what we came to talk about today, and I find when we come and gather as a group we realize that we are not alone and that we can live a life free from the burden of drugs and alcohol," McCann said. 

McCann believes music is the reason he is here today. 

"Music has been my therapy, it saved my life. Instead of turning to the bottle I turned to the guitar," he added.

The guitarist performed 'Help Yourself' at the Rotary Centre for the Arts of Monday night, with the money going towards the Ozanam Recovery House.

Ozanam is  a not-for-profit facility that provides a safe home for disadvantaged men in Kelowna, whether impoverished, affected by either mental or physical illness or drug and alcohol addictions.

To donate, click here.