It was a sunny day outside and an afternoon full of optimism inside North Bay’s main fire hall.
Mike Rowe is one of the organizers of this 2026-2027 calendar and is one of the models.
“This event helps everyone bond. We all suffer together through it and dieting is no fun. Everyone is on board, if they aren’t participating in the calendar they are helping set everything up. The whole department comes together as a team,” says Rowe.
All proceeds from the upcoming calendar fundraiser will benefit CHAT4CHAD, the local initiative that aims to bring awareness, resources, and funding to the people that need it most, removing the stigma associated with mental health.
Wade Ringler, who founded the organization of Chat4Chad in honour of his late brother Chad, was on hand for the kickoff. Wade and Chad Ringler were on one of the previous incarnations of the local firefighters calendar.
“We were in it together one year and it is great to see people working together towards a goal and it brings further awareness to the cause we are supporting,” says Wade Ringler.
It was an event that featured past calendar participants and the future posers — including, for the first time, several female firefighters.
Sara Pellanda is one of the three ladies to grace the North Bay firefighters calendar. Pellanda feels proud to be a bit of a trailblazer and she says she “never-ever” thought she would do something along these lines.
“The longer I thought about it I believed it would be the best way to push myself to be in the best shape ever.
It is also a way to serve the community and hopefully be a role model for those youngins coming up that you (women) can do strong things, do a hard job and work with men,” says Pellanda who also ran the idea to pose past her parents and others close to her first.
“I did ask my parents, boyfriend and support system about it. Every single person said, ‘go for it’. It is a bit nerve-wracking, and it is a vulnerable moment but it’s for a great cause raising money for Chat4Chad,” says Pellanda.
The North Bay firefighters will be trying to bring the calendars in boxes to as many outlets as possible. They may also set up booths and sell them outdoors at events.
Each calendar is $20. Last year, with a big assist from North Bay Community Living, the North Bay firefighters raised more than $57,000.
Some of the photos of the participants have already been taken with the rest being done shortly.
The official release date of the calendars has not been pinned down but will be made public when it is.