Vancouver firefighters strip for 2020 calendar and face off against police in hockey game for fundraising

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      Whether you’re a hockey fan, want to check out some beefcake, have a uniform fetish, or all of the above, Vancouver firefighters and police will be participating in two upcoming fundraising events that will benefit local at-risk populations.  

      This Saturday (September 21), Vancouver Firefighters Local 18 goes skate-to-skate with the VPD in the Battle of the Badges hockey game at the PNE Agrodome (2901 East Hastings).

      This fundraiser runs from noon to 7 p.m., with the puck drop scheduled at 2 p.m., a trophy presentation after the game, followed by a public-skating party at 5 p.m.

      In addition to the game, there’ll also be barbecue fare, a live DJ, a raffle and 50/50 draw, games and prizes, along with displays of fire trucks, firefighting equipment, and police cars, and demonstrations from both firefighters and police.

      Vancouver Minor Hockey will also host a scrimmage game before the main game.

      When firefighters hit the ice for Battle of the Badges, will they wear these—or go topless?
      Vancouver Firefighters Charities

      All ticket proceeds will go to the Vancouver Firefighters Charities (VFC)’s Sports For Kids Program, which helps the Vancouver School Board provide sports and fitness for at-risk students for health and educating them about teamwork, stress management, group participation, and goal setting.

      Tickets (which includes admission for one adult and free admission for two kids) are $10 each and available online.

      Sometimes while firefighting, it can get quite hot.
      Vancouver Firefighters Charities

      After that, things really heat up the next weekend with the Hall of Flame Calendar Launch Party to be held from 7 to 10 p.m. on September 28 at Celebrities Nightclub (1022 Davie Street).

      The event will feature drinks, live music, and appearances by the calendar firefighters.

      Tickets for the event, which include a copy of the 2020 calendar, are $25 each and available online. (A number of tickets will be available for $20 for a limited time.)

      The 2020 calendars, which were created with the Federation of Canadian Artists, will be available for purchase at London Drugs locations throughout Metro Vancouver starting on October 15 for $17.99.

      All proceeds from the calendars, which are now in their 33rd year, go to VFC’s charitable initiatives, the B.C. Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund, and the CKNW Kids’ Fund.

      VFC executive director James Docherty stated in a news release that the annual calendar has raised over $1 million to benefit at-risk populations since its launch in 1988.   

      Apparently, this is one way to put out a fire.
      Vancouver Firefighters Charities

      All VFC programs and fundraisers are run by off-duty Vancouver firefighters, who also donate funds to the VFC through voluntary payroll donations. In 2018, the Vancouver Firefighters' Payroll Donation program raised over $140,000 for charitable programs.

      You can follow Craig Takeuchi on Twitter at @cinecraig or on Facebook

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