Considering what a disaster of a year 2020 has been, it’s safe to say we could all use something wholesome, and also just a little not-so-wholesome , to help cheer us up. And I think I’ve just found the perfect thing to do just that.
Australia’s bravest, most heroic, and most blazin’ hot firefighters have once again come together to pose shirtless for their annual charity calendars. And if that wasn’t enough to pique your interest, maybe this will: they’re holding animals in the pictures.
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Wow, is it hot in here, or is it just them?
Since 1993, hunky firefighters from *down under* have volunteered to bear their muscles, cuddle up to some adorable animals, and sent temperatures soaring, all in the name of charity.
In previous years, proceeds from calendar sales have supported the Children’s Hospital Foundation, providing funds for research into childhood burns.
After 28 years, the Australian Firefighter Calendar has raised over $3.2 million for various charities.
Six different calendars have been released for purchase, ranging from the more G-rated to…well, let’s just say there are definitely some steamier options available.
You can get your hands on one featuring the firefighters posing shirtless and flexing some serious muscles; one where they’re clothed but still certainly a treat for the eyes; one where they’re holding kittens; one where they’re holding dogs; and one where they’re holding some of Australia’s most iconic wildlife.
Indeed, I’m talking about koalas and kangaroos here.
Oh, and if your interests aren’t so much in the firefighters as they are in the creatures they’re cuddling, don’t worry, they’ve got you covered.
There’s an entire calendar devoted exclusively to those sweet animals, firefighters not included.
Hey, we’re not judging. Those are some pretty darn cute animals. I wouldn’t mind having a calendar of just them, either.
While it’s certainly fun to admire sexy firefighters getting cuddly with some animals, this year’s batch of calendars take on a bit more of a serious theme.
The 2019 and 2020 bushfires have had a devastating impact on Australia, with one billion animals estimated to have been lost to the flames.
“No one was left unaffected watching our precious wildlife trying to escape from the bushfires, and the loss of wildlife is beyond comprehension,” David Rogers, director of the Australian Firefighters Calendar, said in a statement. “Everyone at the Australian Firefighters Calendar decided that all our efforts needed to be focused on Australian Wildlife this year”.
Two of the six new 2021 calendars were produced in response to those catastrophic fires.
The “Hero” calendar features solo photos of Aussie firefighters to honor their tireless and selfless efforts in battling the blazes, while the “Animal Lovers” batch of photos places a spotlight on the wildlife native to the country who were severely impacted by the fires.
The ongoing COVID-19 outbreak has also played a part in this year’s batch of calendars, particularly those featuring dogs and cats.
As the organization’s press release explained,
“As Covid-19 restricted our access to many rescue animals, the Australian public were asked to bring their own rescued furry friends to the photo shoot 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.”
Proceeds from calendar sales will also go towards supporting the native animal charities that are crucial in caring for local wildlife.
One of those charities includes the Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital , Australia’s first mobile care facility which makes it possible for medical staff to physically travel to wherever a wildlife emergency is occurring.
Now, let’s take a look at just some of the kinds of photos you can expect from your calendar purchase.
Here is one of Australia’s brave firefighters posing shirtless with two ducklings standing on his shoulders.
I have nothing else to say about this one. It simply speaks for itself.
Bow-*wow*, am I right?
Seriously, that dog is pretty much all of us while skimming through these photos: unbelievably happy.
You know we couldn’t end without including a picture with a kangaroo first.
These two look like they became fast friends during this photo shoot, but that’s just to be expected.
To pick up your very own steamy calendar, and to do an incredibly good deed in the process, head over to the official Australian Firefighters Calendar website .
