Three fit Coquitlam firefighters went topless to raise money for groups supported by the Vancouver Fire Fighters Charitable Society.
Brent Glenen, Len Pashley and Chad Buch are featured as Mr. February, Mr. March and Mr. June respectively in the 26th annual Hall of Flame calendar, due to be launched Sept. 14 at Republic nightclub in Vancouver.
The beefcake photos, snapped by Darko Sikman, show 12 firefighters from various Metro Vancouver departments in different scenes with their smoke-eater gear on and their shirts off: Glenen is pictured in a kitchen while Pashley is near the Pan Pacific Vancouver Hotel and Buch is close to a fire truck.
Buch told The Tri-City News the eye-appealing calendar gives firefighters a chance to collect cash for causes such as the Burn Fund, CKNW Orphans' Fund and the BC Children's Hospital "in their own unique way while having fun and a sense of humour at the same time." He added that the exposure "has been a great, once-in-a-career opportunity for myself and fellow colleagues."
The calendar has raised about $200,000 for the society's chosen charities in the past five years and more than $1 million since it started 25 years ago. This year, the society hopes to generate $100,000 through sales at London Drugs and Save-On-Foods as well as through other corporate sponsors (calendars can also be bought online at www.vancouverfirefighters.ca/fundraising).
"The calendar is a huge fundraiser that supports a number of great charities in a huge way - a couple of which have a personal meaning for me," said Pashley, who grew up in Coquitlam. "Being able to be part of the calendar and part of the $100,000 we hope to raise this year is an honour. "
Added Glenen: "I am happy to be able to volunteer my time and represent my fellow firefighters for this awesome cause. It is a great opportunity to have a lot of fun and raise money fordifferent charities."
Buch, Pashley and Glenen will be at the Golden Spike Pub (3224 St. John's St., Port Moody) on Sunday, Nov. 11 to raise money for the groups supported by the Vancouver Fire Fighters Charitable Society. Tickets at $35 include appetizers, wine tasting and dinner, starting at 5 p.m., as well as a copy of the 2013 calendar. Call the pub at 604-461-1188.
