Captain Canuck makes a comeback to help raise money in Waterloo region

If you grew up in Canada during the late 70s, or if you were a fan of the video series in the 2010s, you might remember Captain Canuck.

The Canadian comic book super hero is making a comeback in Waterloo region to help raise funds for a local charity.

United Way Waterloo Region has partnered up with the creators of the super hero to produce a limited supply of retro Captain Canuck themed T-shirts. The money raised will help support those in need across the region.

Scott Hamilton, the non-profit's senior director of philanthropy, says the project was created by chance when he bumped into Richard Comely, one of the original creators of Captain Canuck, at a comic book convention in Cambridge, Ont.

"It was quite a surreal experience because I remember reading these comics growing up. So to have the opportunity to meet the creator, to look at the original artwork and to shoot ideas back and forth with Richard Comely... it's surreal."

Hamilton says they've only got about 220 shirts in stock.

"We just said, let's go and find the absolute best quality that we can at the best price available," he said, adding that they took extra care to make sure the shirt would hold up well over time.

"It's a soft style, it's a mix of cotton and polyester. It's pre-shrunk. It's super comfortable. The quality is really high... it's better than what you get at the average store at a mall."

Original design from 1981

Comely says the logo on the shirt is special because it is based on the original design from 1981.

"Captain Canuck's costume has changed a bit over the years," Comely said. "The classic costume he's wearing is a favourite with maybe a majority of the Captain Canuck fans."

He says this is not the first time the Canadian super hero has done something for the good of the public.

"Captain Canuck has been used in the past for anti-smoking campaigns, anti-drug campaigns. Back in '93 to '95 Captain Canuck was on back-lit posters at malls and on the street [for] an anti-drug abuse campaign."

Comely says the project aligns with the 50th anniversary of Captain Canuck, which is coming up next year.

He says he also appreciates he gets to help a region he spent so much time in. Comely recently moved to Abbotsford, B.C., but lived in Cambridge with his family for 27 years. 

"There have been a number of Captain Canuck T-shirts over the years, but the one United Way is printing will definitely be unique," Comely said.

Those who would like to buy the shirts are encouraged to order one online from the United Way Waterloo Region website.