Greek-Australian firefighter Michael “Mickey” Galanos spoke with Markos Papadatos about his Greek roots and being a part of the 2024 Australian Firefighters Calendar, which helps out many charitable organizations.
Since its launch three decades ago, the Australian Firefighters Calendar has donated millions of dollars to Australian charities and has become one of the most popular calendars on the globe.
He discussed being a part of the 2024 Australian Firefighters Calendar. “It was insane; it was awesome,” Galanos said.
“This was my first year, so I was the rookie doing it. I had no idea what to expect. It was so much fun; all the guys were awesome, and I held some really cool animals. It was so much fun; I had an absolute ball,” he said,” he added.
The Australian Firefighters Calendar is as popular as ever. It is found on the walls of supporters in over 90 countries around the world. The firefighters from the calendar are in hot demand to appear on some of the most popular TV shows and magazines around the world. From Germany to Taiwan, to the US and Japan, the firefighters from the calendar use their popularity to continue the message of conservation for Australian Wildlife.
The 2024 Australian Firefighters Calendar supports various Australian organizations, which include The Queensland Koala Society, Kids with Cancer Foundation, Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital, and Safe Haven Animal Rescue.
In addition, it will be supporting such charities as Wildcare Inc., Fauna Rescue of SA, Native Animal Rescue, CAVFA, Queensland Koala Society, Best Friends Felines, All Breed Canine Rescue Inc., Healing Hooves, and Safe Haven Animal Rescue.
“The fact that this calendar helps so many charities is absolutely amazing,” he exclaimed. “It benefits so many organizations, and that is pretty incredible. It feels like we do so little as firefighters, but it benefits so many charitable causes so much. David Rogers runs the calendar and does an awesome job.”
He resides in Melbourne, Australia, and was candid about his Greek roots. “My father is Greek, and he came from Kavala up North in Greece,” he revealed.
“The tourism in Greece increased exponentially since the last time I was there, and it has visitors from all over Europe,” he added.
Galanos acknowledged that Melbourne has the world’s “second-largest Greek population in the world after Athens”.
Galanos concluded about the 2024 Australian Firefighters Calendar for viewers and fans: “I hope people will just enjoy this calendar. I hope they have fun with it and know that the money that is being raised is helping some good charitable causes. I hope it will make a lot of people happy.”
For more information on Greek-Australian firefighter Michael Galanos, follow him on Instagram.
NEW YORK, NY – by Markos Papadatos
