2018 Men's Calendar to raise money for Country Hope and children with cancer

The 2018 Men’s Calendar, to be released in September, will cost $20, with proceeds going to Country Hope, a charity supporting children suffering from cancer and other life threatening illnesses. 

Photographer Ginette Guidolin took on the difficult task of shooting the 12 men. 

“Some of them hated it, were really nervous, and reluctant to take their shirts off. But when they were told where the money would go, they did it,” she said.

“About half are shirtless and the other half clothed. It took more than six months to finish it off, because of the busy tradie schedules.” 

Guy Orton, a buff mechanic at RPM Repairs, wasn’t one of the shy ones. 

“I had done a bit of modelling before to support this charity. It’s for such a good cause, I enjoyed doing it.”

He said he’d like to see lots of money raised, but he’s not interested in attracting female fans.  

“I have a partner and a baby on the way.” 

Country Hope founding director Babs Donaldson said her charity is in real need of donations as well as money raised through calendar sales. 

“When a child is diagnosed with a life-threatening illness, they are often thrown into a life of hospital, pain and fear.

“Country Hope supports these sick children and their families with air fares, fuel vouchers for car travel, accommodation … emergency funding and much, much more.”

Country Hope spokeswoman Viv Mogliotti said “young parents often have to give up their jobs to look after sick children, which means they struggle to make mortgage repayments”.

She said the last thing young families need is financial trauma to go along with their emotional stress. 

Businesses and private individuals who donate to Country Hope will be recorded on the calendar. 

Donations to County Hope can be made at https://www.countryhope.com.au/take-action/