2023 Australian Firefighters Calendar Releases To Save Animals, Rebuild Shelters
Image courtesy of Australian Firefighters Calendar
“I don’t want a lot for Christmas. I just want animals to be saved and for the children to be healthy. But, Santa, if you have some magic to spare, I wouldn’t mind some shirtless men too!”
Does this sound like you? If so, you’re in luck. The Australian Firefighters Calendar has announced its 2023 edition, which also marks its 30th anniversary. Since the calendar debuted, it’s raised millions of dollars for charities including animal rescues and research nonprofits accelerating the cure of children’s burns, says the organization.
The latest rendition rings in an all-new denim-forward theme, as well as revives the classic dog, cat, horse, and mixed animal calendars. Needless to say, the rescue animals are just as—if not more—popular than the human models.
This year, the Australian Firefighters Calendar wanted to give a special mention to its featured heroes. They include Dennis Fay, an Indigenous Torres Strait aviation firefighter who’s passionate about marine life conservation; Brenden Purvis, who’s been fighting fires since the age of 16; Ricky Smith, who was previously a Surf Lifesaver before joining the Queensland Fire and Emergency Service; and Ben Wallace, a former soldier deployed in war-torn countries; and Matt Ross, a former banker who gave up his high-paying job to find purpose in saving lives.
Since much of the calendar’s fan base comes from the US, its organizers are giving thanks by pledging a portion of its funds to American charities—something they’ve been doing for the second year running. Part of the proceeds will go to Rescue Rebuild, Greater Good Charities’ volunteer renovation project for animal shelters, veterans’ housing, homeless shelters, and domestic violence shelters.
Back home in Australia, the donations will benefit the Council of Australian Volunteer Fire Associations (CAVFA), the Kids With Cancer Foundation, the Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital, Australian Seabird Rescue, Fauna Rescue of SA, Healing Hooves, Native Animal Rescue, Wildcare Inc, Safe Haven Animal Rescue, Best Friends Felines, and All Breed Canine Rescue Inc.
Feeling the fire in your belly yet? Have a peek at some photos from the calendars, and find out more about the 2023 edition here.
[via Australian Firefighters Calendar, images courtesy]
