Gordy Morrison first came to Prince George almost 20 years ago, and since then he's earned himself a lot of nicknames, including Flash Gordon, but he hopes people won't remember him as Mr. October.
"I feel like a famous baseball player or something," said Morrison, laughing.
Morrison is the face of October in the 2011 calendar featuring the impoverished Prince George residents who live on the streets and access shelters and a downtown drop-in centre on a regular basis.
A reception at St. Vincent de Paul's drop-in centre Thursday afternoon assembled the participants of the calendar, which features residents with unique stories to tell - but one thing all agree on is the centre is a warm, safe place to go during an otherwise harsh life.
Morrison said he was sent to Prince George from a small community called Kispiox, 460 kilometres northwest of Prince George, because of his drinking.
"Yeah, I live a tough life, but you know I've made a lot of friends here. I come to St. Vinny's since I first got here 18 years ago. I feel great in a way that I got to be in the calendar, and do something for the society," he said.
Morrison said he's living with his brother, who is also an alcoholic. He said he's been able to cut back on a lot of his drinking, but it's hard trying to support his brother.
"I'm in my 60s now and I want to be around for another couple years so I keep fighting, but oh, that alcohol just wont let go," he said.
Morrison started drinking young. He worked in saw mills, and remembers going fishing with his father. While he was a good worker, he said he just didn't think of the future back then.
"When you're young you don't care. You don't think anything will be a problem down the road. But I keep learning, every day."
He said he likes that he's featured in the second annual calendar, which was produced by photographer Bobbi Knight to raise money for the by St. Vincent de Paul Society.
Old Cowboy Ed also made the calendar, but he said he was scared to look at his picture.
"I break a lot of cameras you know," he laughed.
Cowboy Ed had a stroke about a year ago, and said he's had some trouble remembering names and numbers, forcing him to write everything down. He joked that he couldn't remember his last name, but just knows people call him Cowboy Ed.
He said he usually sends some money to his family down south for the holidays, but this year he's sending autographed copies of the calendar.
"I think they would like to see that. It'll be a bit of a surprise for them."
The calendar is more than a fundraiser, said Bernie Goold, who is on the board of directors for St. Vincent de Paul.
"It gives the people of our downtown core notoriety. People start recognizing them and calling them by their names. They are just great, wonderful and kind people, and I think they enjoy being part of the calendar," said Goold.
Calendars are for sale at Second Cup, Books and Co., Zoe's Java House, both locations of Au Chocolat, Angelique's Native Arts and the St. Vincent de Paul drop-in centre. The calendars printed cost $15 each.
