By: Markos Papadatos
Greek-Canadian firefighter Steven “Stavros” Giannopoulos chatted with HNA’s Markos Papadatos about the 2024 Australian Firefighters Calendar.
For 2024, enthusiasts can choose from six editions of the calendar, indulging in images that feature the brave men alongside their adorable animal co-stars.
Since its launch three decades ago, the Australian Firefighters Calendar has donated millions of dollars to Australian charities and has become one of the world’s most popular calendars.
The Proceeds from the 2024 Australian Firefighters Calendar will support various Australian organizations, including The Queensland Koala Society, Kids with Cancer Foundation, Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital, and Safe Haven Animal Rescue.
Walt Disney once said “You can design and create, and build the most wonderful place in the world. But it takes people to make the dream a reality.” This quote applies to the firefighters, crew, and animals of the 2024 Australian Firefighters Calendar.
Giannopoulos shared that his Greek roots are from Sparta. He also has the Greek flag tattooed on his arm, and the words “Kali Zoi” on his abdomen, the latter of which translates to “Good Life.”
On being a part of this calendar, Giannopoulos said, “It was fun. I didn’t expect all of the work that it put behind it. The whole thing was an incredible experience. Australia was a bucket list experience for me to visit. The photo shoot was fun and I met some amazing guys. Everybody in the team was super awesome as well.”
“We got to hold some cool animals, play with some fire, and we explored a bit. It was fun,” he exclaimed. “I love how it benefits all of these important charities.”
Giannopoulos had positive words about working with fellow international firefighters Jacob Hacker and Caden Troy, both of which hail from the United States. “This was the first time I met them there, and they are both super nice guys,” he admitted. “For all of us, it was a huge experience. We had so much fun, especially to be a part of one of the biggest calendars in the world.”
On being a part of the digital age, Giannopoulos said, “For me, social media is a big change because I didn’t use social media much. Once I did Season 10 of ‘Big Brother Canada,’ my social media presence blew up and I started showing off my life, fitness and all of the health things. It is cool because you create a community and you interact with them every day. It’s a fun space but you need to be smart about it. The digital age is all a balancing act.”
He also spoke about working with “Markos,” the dog, as part of the Australian Firefighters Calendar. “Markos was the cutest little dog,” he admitted. “As you can see in my Instagram video, the dog was missing an eye, and when I grabbed him and he looked at me, he tucked his head in and all he wanted was love. Markos was the cutest little thing and all he wanted was love. He was just so friendly and cute too. I have a dog too, so I had a real emotional connection to him.”
Regarding his plans for the future, he revealed that he will be a part of the 2025 Australian Firefighters Calendar again next year. “The animals come together with the firefighters that are featured in the calendar,” he said. “I hope people enjoy the calendar, and it brings them some joy and happiness.”
If he were to have any superpower, he noted that it would be “teleportation” because it would make his traveling easier.
On his definition of the word success, he said, “Success is what you accomplish. Setting goals and achieving them. Once you succeed a goal, you keep on going to the next one. You always have to find something new to chase, otherwise, your life becomes stagnant.”
Regarding his favorite mottos to live by, he shared, “Dream, plan, chase it, and don’t stop.”
To learn more about Greek-Canadian fireman Steven “Stavros” Giannopoulos, follow him on Instagram.
For more information on the Australian Firefighters Calendar, check outs its Instagram page, and check out the official homepage.
