The Crimson Canuck continues to help those in need

by Chris Mailloux

Windsor’s own super hero is working to help the homeless even outside of Windsor.

The persona of the Crimson Canuck was created in October 2011 and is being used to inspire others to get involved in their communities. According to the Crimson Canuck, he hasn’t been able to patrol the streets of Windsor as much as he would like lately because of his personal life taking up most of his time. He even considered leaving the RLSH life behind at one point but decided against it.

“I still do not fully understand what my role will evolve into as Windsor’s costumed activist but I am sticking around for now, appearing in costume when I have the time,” said Crimson Canuck.

On Jan. 24 Crimson Canuck took a trip to Toronto and patrolled the streets with fellow Real Life Super Heroes and members of his team called The Trillium Guard. The Guard was co-founded by Crimson Canuck and includes Ark Guard, Black Hat, Captain, Nameless Crusader and Ninja Knight.

The heroes walked the streets of Toronto with a film crew documenting their patrol. Crimson Canuck was contacted by Lauren Toyota from MTV about trying to promote the RLSH movement.

“We always love to share our story with the media so we took them on a real patrol,” said Crimson Canuck. “The wing got strong and when we were all good and frozen, MTV’s camera guys and Lauren herself decided to call it quits.”

Despite the cold weather the Trillium guard continued to patrol the streets of Toronto. Crimson Canuck also said he met a homeless man during the walk that urinates in bottles and puts them under his armpits just to stay warm.

“We brought many socks, snacks, toques, mittens and anything that could help someone living on the street,” said Crimson Canuck. “We were able to hand a bunch of things out to as many people living on the sidewalk as we could.”

Local comic book creator and publisher, Tony Gray, said he admires the concept of inspiring others to become active in their community.

“The Crimson Canuck is great guy,” said Gray. “How can you do anything other than applaud all the Real Life Super Heroes that are willing to go out on their own and their own time, their own dime to try and make those that are suffering aware they aren’t forgotten.”

Gray also said seeing people walking around dressed in costumes offers validation for him as a comic book creator.

“It shows that the message we’re trying to promote through stories are hitting home hard enough for people to inspire some people to actually emulate the heroes and do what they can for a good cause,” said Gray.

The Crimson Canuck said he believes that being a bright and interesting character is a great way to spread the word about any causes you have.

“Through the Real Life Super Hero movement, I’ve made best friends, formed bonds that will last a lifetime and memories that can be passed to the next generation,” said Crimson Canuck.