This article was published previously on CambridgeToday.
A new Captain America movie may be dropping today but locally it's all about Captain Canuck.
The United Way Waterloo Region Communities has seen significant interest in its charitable t-shirts bearing the Canadian superhero.
To date, 290 of the shirts featuring the iconic Canuck comic character have sold with more being printed.
And there appears to be no better time to support local than now given current Canada and United States relations.
"Purchasing and wearing this Captain Canuck shirt is a sign that Canadian heroes unite us, and that Canada is united," Scott Hamilton, senior director of philanthropy at United Way WRC, said.
"The shirt doesn't just help local charities, but it sends a message that we're proud to be Canadian and we'll do whatever we can to support one another in the face of challenges. Canadians don't give up on one another. Canadians love our country and what it stands for."
All proceeds from the sales of the t-shirts go to over 80 charities in Cambridge and Waterloo region.
The idea for the fundraiser originated in Galt, when Hamilton met with Captain Canuck creator, Richard Comely, at Retro Rocket Comics on Main Street. Fadi Hakim, the CEO of Comic House and publisher Lev Gleason have been incredibly supportive, Hamilton said.
Since the launch in December, Hamilton's been making trips to Civilian Screen Printing in Kitchener to refill orders.
He refers to the support as "inspiring."
"Cambridge and Waterloo region has shown us that they want to wear a symbol of Canada that supports Canadian charities," he said.
"People love the look and the nostalgia here. Who doesn't love a retro or vintage style design these days?"
Comely was inspired to get involved after seeing a similar idea using the cartoon character Snoopy.
"There's a cool way to use a cartoon character to generate funds for a worthy cause," Comely said.
"In Canada, we should be doing this kind of thing. Canada needs to be more self sufficient."
This year marks 50 years since Captain Canuck first made its debut in 1975 and Comely said there are plans to celebrate the anniversary.
One of those plans is a Captain Canuck facing off with Donald Trump poster that's in the works.
No matter the political landscape, Hamilton is hopeful that people see the Canadian superhero as a symbol of good.
As for the Captain America versus Captain Canuck debate, Hamilton will take the Canadian inspired version any day.
"Captain Canuck stands for justice, and the Canadian values of peace, order and good government," he said.
"Captain America represents the classic concepts of American idealism: liberty, independence and freedom. So, both heroes are great, but just like the endless debates over which country has the better hockey teams, beer, healthcare system and tourist destinations, the answer to this question probably depends on what passport you carry."
The t-shirts can be purchased at the United Way WRC website.