Australian Firefighters Donate Calendar Proceeds to U.S. Hurricane Relief
For over 30 years, Australian firefighters have captivated fans worldwide with their annual calendar. More than a fundraising tool, the calendar has raised over $3.45 million to support a variety of charitable causes, from wildlife conservation to local rescue groups and hospitals. This year, in a show of gratitude for the global support they received after Australia’s devastating wildfires, the Australian Firefighters Calendar is partnering with Greater Good Charities to aid U.S. communities impacted by Hurricanes Milton and Helene.
Photo Credit: Australian Firefighters Calendar
Supporting Disaster Relief and Biodiversity Conservation
The firefighters’ donations will directly support relief efforts for people, pets, and ecosystems impacted by these hurricanes. Greater Good Charities has mobilized substantial resources, delivering more than 130 truckloads of essential supplies—including food, water, hygiene products, and pet care items—across 5 states.
Photo Credit: Australian Firefighters Calendar
The Origin of the Australian Firefighters Calendar
The idea for the calendar dates back to 1993 when a group of Queensland-based firefighters wanted to attend the World Firefighters Games in Perth. To cover travel expenses, they launched the first calendar, which exceeded fundraising goals, allowing them to donate surplus funds to the Children’s Hospital Foundation’s burns unit. The calendar's popularity skyrocketed across Australia and, eventually, internationally, especially after they began incorporating rescue animals in 2015, including dogs, cats, horses, and even native Australian wildlife.
Expanding the Impact: Partnering with Greater Good Charities
David Rogers, director of the Australian Firefighters Calendar, shared, “The Australian Firefighters Calendar is known for its charitable efforts, often supporting various causes, including disaster relief. While our primary focus is on supporting wildlife and animal refuges within Australia, we are committed to extending our reach when we can, as with this year’s support for relief efforts following Hurricane Helene in the U.S.”
Photo Credit: Australian Firefighters Calendar
Additional Support for Australia’s Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital
In addition to supporting hurricane relief, the Australian Firefighters Calendar continues to work alongside Greater Good Charities to fund initiatives at the Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital. The hospital played a pivotal role during Australia’s Black Summer Bushfires, treating countless animals affected by the wildfires. Reflecting on the anniversary of these fires, Dr. Stephen Mills, CEO of Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital, remarked, “This year marks five years since the Black Summer Bushfires, a tragedy in which 3 billion native animals perished. This event shocked people worldwide and inspired our campaign to build Australia’s only mobile wildlife hospital, Matilda.”
Order your calendar and support hurricane relief!