Hot off the press: 2021 firefighters’ Hall of Flame Calendar features male and female models

Plus: Vancouver Firefighter Charities relaunches Clothing Bank Program, with safe Big Mouth bins

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      It’s the hottest planner out there: the 2021 Vancouver Firefighter Charities (VFC) wall calendar will be released in late October. And in keeping with the times, the forthcoming issue recognizes the dedication of COVID-19 heroes.

      Gastown’s Murals of Gratitude, which pay homage to the city’s first responders and frontline workers who have been working tirelessly throughout the pandemic, provide the backdrop for the outdoor, safely distanced photos.

      For the first time ever, the calendar is showcasing female members of Vancouver Fire Rescue Services (VFRS). The 12-month calendar features a total of seven men and seven women, all of whom volunteered to participate.

      Proceeds from 2021 sales will support the BC Professional Firefighters Burn Fund as well as VFC community programs, such as Snacks for Kids and Lifelines for Seniors.

      "People all over the world have been doing extraordinary things in the face of insurmountable odds to break barriers, help one another and challenge oppression, and that's exactly what we want to portray in our photos this year,” Hall of Flame Calendar Coordinator Brandon Kaye said in a statement. “The 2021 calendar is an inclusive celebration of our local heroes and the strong men and women working hard on the frontlines in Vancouver." 

      The Vancouver Firefighter Charities has also relaunched its Clothing Bank Program and is seeking donations of clean, dry clothing and textile products.

      The bright made-in-Germany Big Mouth clothing bins meet all City of Vancouver health and safety by-laws.

      All donated items are sorted and repurposed at local recycling depots, with funds being directed to public outreach initiatives like Snacks for KidsLifelines for Seniors and Toys for Kids.

      The VFC Clothing Bank bins are at nine locations city-wide:

      Fire Hall No. 3 (2801 Quebec St.)
      Fire Hall No. 4 (1475 W. 10th Ave.)
      Fire Hall No. 6 (1001 Nicola St.)
      Fire Hall No. 9 (1805 Victoria Drive)
      Fire Hall No. 12 (2460 Balaclava St.)
      Fire Hall No. 14 (2804 Venables St.)
      Fire Hall No. 19 (4396 W. 12th Ave.)
      Fire Hall No. 21 (5425 Carnarvon St.)
      Fire Hall No. 22 (1005 W. 59th Ave.)

      "With the transition from summer to fall, now is the ideal time to sort through your closet and collect any unwanted clothing items to be donated and recycled," James Docherty, VFC executive director, said in a release. "Our environmentally friendly Clothing Bank Program not only reduces waste by keeping unwanted clothing out of landfills, it also provides critical funds to VFC's charitable programs and helps to support those in need throughout the year."

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