It’s that time of year again! The weather is cooling down, the winter decorations are being dug out and the firemen’s shirts are coming off. And the heat is on. Season’s greetings friends. What better way to get in the holiday spirt than looking ahead to what is hopefully a much more positive year.
And if it happens to be some beefy firemen turning up the heat to help the season’s most needy, then so be it!
Because it’s time for the annual 2021 Australian Firefighters Calendar!
The Australian Firefighters Calendar was established in 1993 to support the Children’s Hospital Foundation, providing funds for research into childhood burns. Now in its 28th year, The Australian Firefighters Calendar has raised over $3.2 million for various charities.
This year for Australia is especially a tough one. I mean 2020 in general has caused more problems than it’s been worth.
But the devastating wildfires and heat that ravaged the continent, show just what is behind the “props” in these calendars.
And I mean the men, not the animals.
2019 and early 2020 was a particularly devastating time, and the world grieved with Australia as we suffered through catastrophic bushfires, and an estimated loss of 1 billion animals from our diverse native wildlife. While the fires may have gone, the destroyed bushland has made it impossible for many of the displaced wildlife to return to their natural habitat.
The brave firemen and women that battled what has been listed as “one of the worst wildlife disasters in modern history”. They are not just the pretty faces you see each month as you flip the page. They are the heroes that pull the scared and injured animals out of the flames.
Nearly three billion animals were killed or displaced by Australia’s devastating bushfires — almost triple the figure estimated in January.
Our popular cat and dog calendars are returning, but with a bit of a twist. Covid-19 restricted our access to many rescue animals. The Australian public were asked to bring their own rescued furry friends to the photoshoot to help create these calendars. Funds raised will allow us to help less fortunate animals find a new home through rescue organisations like Safe Haven Animal Rescue and All Breeds Canine Rescue.
And remember, the calendars sold every year DO HAVE ANIMALS in them!
But contrary to the popular consensus, the animals that grace the pages of the array of annual calendars are just as cute. And this year they have numerous calendar options, a planner, greeting cards and PILLOWCASES! Too far? Ehhhh, s’ok. You can choose your favorite on their website here.
2021 Firefighters Calendar ‘Cat Calendar’ (Firefighters & Cats)
2021 Firefighters Calendar ‘Dog Calendar’ (Firefighters & Dogs)
2021 Firefighters Calendar ‘Animal Lovers Calendar’ (Firefighters & assorted animals)
Daily Planner, Pillowcase Cat, Pillowcase Dog and Greeting Cards.
In response, this year we have produced 6 unique calendars including 2 new versions. The new ‘Hero’ calendar honours the hard work of Australian firefighters throughout this crisis, while the new ‘Animal Lovers’ calendar puts a diverse range of Australian Wildlife, adorable rescue and therapy animals and other iconic animal images in the spotlight.
“The support from the donations the calendar provided were vital through the bushfires, supplies were very limited and the injection of funds from the calendar helped save many animals” ~ Dr Michael Pyne – Head Vet – Currumbin Wildlife Hospital.
But still not enough heat for you? Can’t wait until the end of each month for a new cutie? Well you can watch their videos now!
However, they not only highlighted the adoptable animals in their partner programs, they had some special visitors! Robert Dollwet, better known as CatManToo on YouTube, stopped by to eduCATe the models with his felines Didga and Boomer.
On CATMANTOO, you will not only see Didga and Boomer do amazing tricks and stunts (Please don’t try them at home) but, you’ll learn how to teach your cat to follow some basic cues from you, like how to walk on a leash, do a few cats tricks and/or stop behavioural issues.
So thank you again to all the firemen participating this year in the calendar shoot! But more importantly, thank you to all the men and women on the front line battling these blazes every day. In conclusion, true heroes.
Be sure to share photos of yourself with past calendars on our Facebook page to show your support!