Greek-Australian firefighter Michael Galanos chatted with #Powerjournalist Markos Papadatos about the 2027 Australian Firefighters Calendar.
The Australian Firefighters Calendar is a proud Australian owned and operated company. Although they are not a charity, the fan support of their brand has helped them donate $3.5 million dollars to both animals and people in need since 1993.
How does it feel to be a part of the 2027 Australian Firefighters Calendar?
It’s once again a privilege to be part of the 2027 Australian Firefighters Calendar. It’s something that drives me to stay fit and healthy every year. Each year there are new fit firefighters pushing to get in, so it’s not lost on me how lucky I am to be part of it for another year.
How many years have you been doing this?
This is my 4th year. I’ll be 40 next year, so not sure how many more I’ll have left; but hopefully a few more (fingers crossed).
Why is this cause so important to you?
It’s important as it provides a rare opportunity to help people and animals in need, and furthermore give joy to people. The reason I became a firefighter was to help people and try and make a difference in the world, even if it may only be a small difference.
Over the past 34 years, the calendar has donated almost $4 million towards some amazing causes, so being able to be part of that is a great feeling.
We get to personally meet and visit the charities and animal shelters we donate towards, and to see the difference it makes to them, is something words can’t describe. It brings so much joy!
How many years have you been a firefighter?
I’ve been a firefighter for 10 years in Melbourne, Australia.
How has CatCon been for you this year?
It’s great to be part of CatCon again this year through our firefighters and cats calendar. This year, as with past years, we were donating proceeds towards the Pasadena Humane Society, so it was awesome to be able to give money to such a worthy and deserving animal shelter.
In terms of CatCon itself; we met and had photos with thousands of people attending the event, all who undeniably LOVE cats. Truly Comic-Con but for cat lovers; it’s wild, it’s whacky, it’s wonderful. The term “crazy cat person” is definitely true, but we love that and embrace the craziness ! We have nothing like this in Australia, so it’s fun to experience.
When I became a firefighter so many years ago, I never in my wildest dreams imagined it would take me all the way from Melbourne to LA to attend a Cat convention.
What do your plans for the future include?
My plans for the future; both with the calendar and personally with my family is to travel and see as much of the world as possible. Meeting people from all different backgrounds and experiencing different cultures is something I’ll never get tired of.
What would you like to say to the fans?
Just a heartfelt thanks to the fans for the continued support. It’s the fans who are the reason the calendar can keep happening; and the reason so much has been donated over the years. We stand there and smile for the camera, but their support and love is what keeps it happening every year.
What’s the one thing you want people to get out of this calendar?
In a world moving so far towards AI and the increasing digital world, the calendar is something that attempts to remain authentic and genuine. Grab a calendar, buy one for a friend, stick it on your wall and enjoy it with a smile!
To learn more about the 2027 Australian Firefighters Calendar, check out its official website, and follow its Instagram page.
