THUNDER BAY -- The Guardian Angels want the city's blessing.
After around nine months in Thunder Bay, the head of Guardian Angels Canada Ian Hodgkinson came to city council Monday asking for the city to endorse the group and give them a spot on the city's crime prevention council.
Hodgkinson said there have been a lot of accusations of vigilantism and criticism online.
"It's almost like schoolyard bullying," he said.
But he's closed groups across the country that were stuck in the past and is looking for the group to make a difference in Canada, starting in Thunder Bay. He's started an “Angels University" in the city.
Anyone looking to join the Guardian Angels must come to Thunder Bay to be trained. They've also kicked off classes on everything from finance to self-defense to parenting to help people in the neighbourhood.
"We're just trying to do the right thing," he said.
The request headed to administration with some on council in favour of backing the group. Coun. Aldo Ruberto said there's no reason to turn down a request from a group that just wants to help the city.
"I don't think there's much to do other than talk to the lawyers," Ruberto said.
"This is a good thing for our city.
Others weren't so sure. Coun. Shelby Ch'ng worried that the group is too focused around Hodgkinson's cult of personality. A former professional wrestler Hodgkinson said while the group is a not-for-profit, so far he's financed the whole thing.
"What happens if a new leader takes over?" Ch'ng said.
Hodgkinson said he's been with the group for a long time in major cities all over the world. But Thunder Bay made him who he is and he wants to give back. Along with a seat on the committee, the group wants to put a city of Thunder Bay patch on their jackets.
"I'm begging you to let me support my city," Hodgkinson said.
"I don't need much."
