Stripping off!

For the past 5 years, Perth Fighters have been raising money for the Children’s Burns Unit at Princess Margaret Hospital through the sale of the Perth Firefighters Calendar.

More than $400,000 has been raised so far, helping significantly towards the purchase of much needed state-of-the-art equipment for PMH. Funds raised also assist local Firefighters to participate in the World Police and Fire Games - an international forum for competition and the exchange of ideas.

The Calendar, which is supported by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) and PMH Foundation, sells up to 15,000 copies annually, many being sent interstate and overseas. The Firefighters Calendar is released each year at the Launch Night.

This event has been held at various venues in Perth over the years and is always a sell out, with this year no exception. As I was already working for DFES at the time I was asked to provide support to the committee in relation to hosting the event at FESA house (now the site of a new multi million hotel) including advising on risk and other aspects.

As anyone who knows me is aware, I have always had a huge respect for the Emergency Services. Having family members in the services, both fire and police and friends in the paramedic services, I've aways held the work that these people undertake with the greatest of respect and I was happy to help.

A group of girl friends and I - well there was no way they were going to let me go alone lol! - went along and despite a light drizzle when we arrived the evening was perfect weather which was exactly what was needed.

Queues for drinks were absolutely fine for us and there was plenty of seating areas althought I did hear some complain about the wait. The event was full and well behaved.

The boys did a great job especially considering they had to strip off in front of hundreds of screaming women lol!

Highlight was the zip line rigged so that 'Thor' could make a very grand entry to the stage...and of course loads of money was raised which was the whole aim.

Hats off to the boys (no woman this year) the hours of planning and practice you put in in your own time is to be applauded.

You can help by visiting www.perthfirefighters.com