Local super hero works to improve community

By Chris Mailloux

A local man has become a real life superhero to help the homeless and others in need.

For the past year the Crimson Canuck has been patrolling the streets of Windsor, trying to help out the homeless and get the rest of the community involved. The Crimson Canuck was created in October 2011 after he spent some time researching other real life heroes on the internet and deciding to become more active in the community. The Crimson Canuck’s identity is a secret. Only his family knows who he is and some of his co-workers who have figured it out.

“By now people have figured out I’m just a regular guy going around in costume doing good deeds,” said Crimson Canuck. “But before the media attention and everything, nobody knew what I was really doing and it was funny seeing all the mixed reactions and the looks I got.”

Crimson Canuck said he found inspiration from comics and geek culture. He also said he found some inspiration from Captain Canuck because he is the embodiment of everything Canadian. Crimson Canuck said the original purpose of creating this identity was to be more active in the community, to create inspiration and to be a symbol of hope.

“I try to be as natural as possible and as approachable as possible,” said Crimson Canuck. “Just the fact that I wear a mask gets people to ask what I’m doing and think if some crazy guy in a mask can do this then why can’t I?”

Lately Rogues Gallery Comics has become a drop off point for the Crimson Canuck. Owner Shawn Cousineau accepts donations and Crimson Canuck picks them up whenever he gets a chance.

“Right now because he is so in the media right now, I’d say once every other day we’re getting something dropped off,” said Cousineau.

Cousineau said his favorite part of working with Crimson Canuck is seeing the goodness in people. He previously worked in a bar before he opened the store and said working in a bar you tend to see the not-so-nice side of people.

The Crimson Canuck is scheduled to appear at Windsor’s A Merry Comic Book Christmas Con! next month and is also working with Tony Gray of Legacy Comics Publishing to make exclusive artwork for him to sell the prints and donate all the money to the United Way Centraide of Windsor Essex County.

“In 2013, I’m going to make my focus on any charities that focus on helping children,” said Crimson Canuck.“Basically any charity that primarily focuses on kids is what I want to be involved with next year.”

Cutline for photo: Crimson Canuck gets ready to patrol the streets of Windsor to help the homeless, Monday, November 19, 2012 – photo by Chris Mailloux