His mother's breath smelled of malt liquor and his bed was the back seat of a 1989 gold Honda Civic, yet somehow Zak McDonald still manages to smile about his childhood. And he is spreading that smile across Canada by showcasing his comedy routines with Hamilton charity, Live Different.

"I want to be a role model and an inspiration for kids who grew up in situations like mine," said the 23-year-old.

Growing up, McDonald struggled with a neglectful, alcoholic mother who could not provide a proper home. From living in "projects" near Upper Ottawa Street to sleeping in a car, he did not grow up the same way as most teenagers. He lived in townhouses, attics, basements, cars "and everything in between."

He had to get himself to school, cook his own meals and take care of his younger sister Quinncy.

"There was a lot of fried eggs and microwaved hotdogs," says McDonald.

His parents divorced when he was five and the court system put him in the care of his mother. His father fought for years, but did not gain custody until McDonald was about 13. Until then, he suffered through his mother's constant partying, suicide attempts and desertion, with no mentors or guardians.

One of McDonald's fondest memories was when he got himself up and ready for school for the first time on a Friday.

"My mom's favourite bar was really popular on Thursdays, so she would never wake me up for school on Friday. I got tired of not going so I just got up and went to school on my own.

"I missed the bus and ended up getting lost for two or three hours. A woman picked me up on the street and drove me. All the teachers were so surprised to see me there on a Friday."

McDonald's teachers provided only Band-Aid solutions for his life at home. Social workers would try to talk to him and the schools he attended would give him presents for Christmas because they knew his mother was financially strapped, but for McDonald, "it was a mishandled situation." At the grade school level, he never knew anything was wrong.

"How could I talk about stuff I never knew was a problem? I never wanted to leave her. I didn't think I had to. I wanted to love my mom into rightness."

McDonald started processing his childhood when he was a teenager. He was placed under the care of his father, a regional district manager for Purolator. The transition from life "in the projects" to a financially secure home opened his eyes to what he never wanted to see before.

It was at that point that McDonald developed some destructive habits of his own. He started drinking and doing drugs as a means of coping. By 16, he was diagnosed as clinically depressed.

"I was frustrated, aggravated and super angry all the time. I didn't understand what was going on."

McDonald found peace in the lyrics of hip-hop star Eminem. The artist had the same troubled past, but managed to turn that negativity into a productive rap career. McDonald started writing lyrics of his own as a means of escape.

Although never suicidal, he did write this: Sometimes I feel like I want to shoot myself in the chest, but these rhymes act like a bulletproof vest.

"I never wanted to kill myself, but something inside me made me write that line."

McDonald went to 10 different schools as a kid, making it hard to keep any long-term friends. He graduated from Bishop Ryan Catholic Secondary School in 2009 and has refused to look back. McDonald worked 11 minimum-wage service-sector jobs after graduation. He started saving money for what, at the time, was an "uncertain future."

He has found that future in comedy.

McDonald credits Eminem for giving him the courage to start doing stand-up. He began performing on open mic nights at Yuk Yuk's four years ago, and since then has sold out shows at The Staircase Theatre, competed in festivals and competitions out east and overseas, including London. He also made a movie called The Store and was nominated for best actor at the Hamilton Film Festival.

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McDonald also attributes his change in attitude to friends who introduced him to eastern spirituality. He started meditating, practising yoga and following a strict vegan diet. In December 2013, he went to India to study eastern medicine.

"It was a way for me to go inside myself and find out what was wrong with me, what I was holding onto."

Since then, McDonald has not had a drink. He spends his time working as a server at the Royal Botanical Gardens restaurant and perfecting his comedy routines.

"I wanted to be an inspiration to kids. I figured I could probably send a better message if I was sober."

Last Boxing Day, McDonald took the biggest step of his life — he forgave his mother after a childhood of neglect followed by seven years of not speaking.

"I told her I loved her and all that good stuff. We have mended our relationship."

In September, McDonald begins his eight-month internship with Live Different. He will be on one of two teams of 10 that travel east and west, visiting high schools and inspiring kids who have gone through troubled times.

"It doesn't surprise me. I'm happy that he is following his dream. I'm extremely proud of him," said his father, Garnet McDonald.

To offset the costs of his tour, McDonald is hosting a Comedy Variety Show on Aug. 9 at 541 Exchange and Eatery on Barton Street East.

Live Different is a nonprofit charity that inspires life change in young people across Canada. Representatives give motivational presentations to more than 300 high schools a year, reaching more than 100,000 students. The presentations include musical performances, bright lights, personal storytelling and multimedia. This year, McDonald is adding stand-up comedy to the list.

"We're really excited to be working with Zak this year and see what impact his humour and comedy will have on the tour," said Cindy Stover, community engagement co-ordinator for Live Different.

For more information on getting involved with Live Different, contact info@livedifferent.com.