![Ian Hodgkinson leading the Guardian Angels in the Fort William Business District](https://www.netnewsledger.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Guardian-Angels-TBay-5.jpg)
THUNDER BAY – A community is only as strong as its residents. Friday night, the Thunder Bay Chapter of the Guardian Angels continued to invest their time and caring into Thunder Bay. From their clubhouse on May Street, the Guardian Angels were touring the downtown Fort William Business District and talking to residents in the area.
It was a night of helping people for the team of dedicated local residents. It was also a night of surprises.
For the Angels, several times people were coming up to them to thank them for being there, and for coming to Thunder Bay.
In one instance, a customer trying to use the ATM on Brodie Street seeing the Guardian Angels called them over. In the foyer at the bank was a small party. On a chilly and damp night, a few people had gathered inside the bank. Those people were drinking and partying.
![Asked for help, the Guardian Angels are on hand to lend a hand](https://www.netnewsledger.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Guardian-Angels-TBay-2.jpg)
Immediately, the Guardian Angels called in the Thunder Bay Police, who arrived on the scene to take care of the situation.
![The Guardian Angels helping a man get some help, in this case from the SOS Team in downtown Thunder Bay](https://www.netnewsledger.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Guardan-Angels-TBay-4.jpg)
Ian Hodgkinson stated to the team that their role is not to be police officers, but more of being citizens helping people. “Thank you Thunder Bay for all you represent , a place that I love to call home,” shared Hodgkinson.
One man downtown needed some help, he came to the Guardian Angels for that help. The Angels were able to guide him to the SOS Van for the help he needed.
Following their walking tour, the Guardian Angels spent time sharing and getting to know each other and learn more on how to help people in their clubhouse.
There is a growing and diverse group of Guardian Angels in Thunder Bay. They are investing their time, their love for our city, and their dedication to make a difference.
There are some people who might think that the goal of the Guardian Angels is to be like a ‘private protection service’, however that is not what the Angels are about.
From walking with the Guardian Angels, their presence in Thunder Bay is one that represents a needed component for our community.
In the downtown Fort William Business District, it is an area that needs that presence. From the reaction of the people, and tonight from the Thunder Bay Police toward the Angels, it is a welcome and needed presence.
James Murray
For more information, or to get involved visit the Guardian Angels Canada on Facebook