Five Australian firefighters, known globally for their annual charity calendar, are set to visit Hong Kong this month for an 11-day tour dedicated to raising funds and awareness for local animal welfare groups. Starting November 8, 2025, the servicemen will participate in 11 exclusive public engagements across the city as part of an initiative dubbed “Heroes for Paws,” a collaboration between the Australian Firefighters Calendar project and Almo Nature HK, providing residents a unique opportunity to support rescue animals through the purchase of the newest calendar edition.
The firefighters, all active service members volunteering in the fundraising endeavor, will leverage their international recognition to benefit Hong Kong’s vulnerable pet population. The itinerary includes direct visits to several local animal rescue centers and welfare organizations. A highlight of their schedule is an evening appearance on November 21 at Catherine’s Puppies Adoption Centre, where the focus will be squarely on mobilizing financial support for pressing veterinary needs.
Fundraising Through Photography
Access to the scheduled meet-and-greet sessions—which include photographic opportunities with the visiting team—is achieved exclusively through purchasing the special Hong Kong edition of the 2026 Australian Firefighters Calendar. The calendar retails for HK$188 and functions as the entry pass for these events. This localized fundraising approach ensures that local animal organizations directly benefit from the engagement.
A critical component of this visit is dedicated to covering the high cost of animal healthcare. Specifically, all proceeds generated from calendar sales during the event at Catherine’s Puppies will be designated to cover veterinary expenses for the animals in the center’s care. This direct financial aid is vital for small rescue operations often strained by medical bills associated with complex or long-term animal rehabilitation.
Connecting with the Community and Their Pets
Demonstrating a strong affinity for pets, several of the planned public events will take place at pet-friendly venues. This thoughtful inclusion allows attendees to bring their companion animals along to participate in the photo opportunities with the celebrity firefighters. It creates a community atmosphere, celebrating the bond between owners and their pets while supporting those animals still awaiting their permanent homes.
This marks the inaugural official visit by participants of the global Australian Firefighters Calendar to Hong Kong. Since its inception, the calendar project has successfully raised millions of dollars for diverse charities, primarily focusing on animal protections, wildlife conservation, and medical research globally. The expansion of the tour to Hong Kong underscores the international commitment of the firefighters to leverage their platform for significant charitable impact.
The “Heroes for Paws” initiative serves as a powerful reminder of how celebrity power can be directly channeled toward grassroots activism. By engaging the public through accessible, fun events, the firefighters can generate critical resources for organizations like Catherine’s Puppies, ultimately improving the lives of rescue animals across the region. Residents interested in attending and contributing should secure their 2026 calendar quickly, as the 11 sessions are expected to draw significant interest.