Former pro wrestler and Guardian Angel joins mayor's Walkabout Wednesday

THUNDER BAY -- The city’s mayor and a former pro wrestler made history Wednesday.

Ian Hodgkinson, also known as Vampiro in the world of pro wrestling, joined Mayor Keith Hobbs on one of his Walkabout Wednesdays in the downtown south core.

“It’s a historic moment for us in the Guardian Angels because for us in our 35 year history, this is the first time a government official in Canada has invited us to take a walk with him in the community,” said Hodgkinson, the international director for the Guardian Angels, a not-for-profit organizations that promotes public safety in communities around the world.

Thunder Bay is Hodgkinson’s hometown and he said he never realized until he recently moved back to the city how many volunteer organizations there are working to make the city a better place.

“It’s awesome,” he said, adding he was excited to get out on the walk with the mayor and learn about the area.

During the walk, Hobbs showed Hodgkinson the south core to see how the Guardian Angels would operate if they saw a criminal or unsafe situation happening.

“If they just give people a presence or a feeling of safety, I think that goes a long way,” said Hobbs.

“People that wouldn’t normally walk in the downtown core, if they see the Angels around, they are probably more likely to walk in the downtown core.”

Although Hobbs is supportive of the Guardian Angels, he said it’s still not a go until they see a viable business plan.

However, he does believe they would be a valuable neighbourhood watch program.

“They are another set of eyes and ears for police,” said Hobbs.

The Guardian Angels formed in New York in 1979 and are in 117 countries.

Their first meeting in Thunder Bay is set for Feb. 11 at 7 p.m. at the Boys and Girls Club on Windsor Street.