A Barrie man who once struggled with homelessness is now hitting the streets in a Deadpool costume, hoping to make a difference in the community, one smile at a time.
Neil Griffin, who goes by Barrie Deadpool, walks around the city greeting people, handing out buttons and striking up conversations. The local comic says he wants to bring a little more positivity to Barrie and remind people that a simple act of kindness can go a long way.
“I’m just a symbol of positivity that needs to be had here in Barrie,” Griffin said.
Listen below to our interview with Neil 'Barrie Deadpool' Griffin
The idea started with a trip to a local karaoke bar. Griffin was looking for a cowboy costume when he came across a Deadpool mask. Rather than buy a complete outfit, he decided to put one together himself, drawing inspiration from the Marvel character’s cowboy version.
He says wearing the mask helped him reconnect with a more playful side of himself after going through some difficult times.
“Putting on the mask and putting on this character, let me be old me. Let me be more fun, let me be weird,” he said.
Griffin, a single father of two, says he has experienced homelessness himself, including a period when a flood left him and his children struggling to find shelter. That's given him a better understanding of what others in the community may be experiencing.
“There wasn’t enough room for shelters because me and my two kids couldn’t even get room,” he said. “I can imagine what these people are going through.”
Griffin says he hopes more support programs will help people in need while addressing some of the issues residents see on the streets, including homelessness, open drug use, and displacement due to a lack of shelter space.
His approach is to talk to people rather than judge them. He waves, says hello, and asks how people are doing, hoping those conversations might reveal someone who could use a little help.
He also conducts patrols downtown, although he says he is not a crime fighter and would call police if he witnessed a crime.
One memorable moment came when two men were arguing and three women nearby told Griffin they felt more comfortable standing behind Deadpool.
“People have said to me they feel more safe with me around,” he said.
Griffin has also reached out to Youth Haven and is looking for other charities that could use his help. He is organizing a charity comedy show featuring local comedians and says he is willing to help other organizations raise money through comedy, music, or other entertainment.
He is also investing in his costume, including a 3D-printed mask, in hopes of becoming more recognizable and drawing attention to charitable causes.
The mission is straightforward: look out for one another and do something extra to brighten someone’s day.
“Go above and beyond,” he said when asked what challenge he would give Barrie residents.
“See something that you can help with. Help someone with their groceries, rake someone’s leaves.”
His advice is to look for someone who might be having a difficult day and offer a little encouragement.
“Nothing like just a hand on your shoulder and just being like, ‘Hey, I hope you have a good day.’ Do something extra for someone to make them smile.”
