Ah, yes, it is my favorite time of year.  The annual Toronto Firefighter’s calendar has descended upon us and I had a chance to catch up with a few of Toronto’s finest.

From left: Firefighters Phil Meredith and Kalman Fekete

In support of the Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation which specializes in cancer research, the Toronto Firefighters calendar has raised an astonishing $676,000 since June 2006 and shows no signs of slowing down.

Firefighters Frank Gagliardi (Mr. February), Kalman Fekete (Mr. May) and Phil Meredith (Mr. March) were eager to talk about why the Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation is so important to them, the thrill of being a firefighter and the ups and downs of being local sex symbols.

The Princess Margaret Hospital is one of the world’s leading cancer research hospitals with many successful fund raising campaigns, such as the The Princess Margaret Lottery, and although these firefighting boys feel that the calender is merely a drop in the bucket in comparison to some of PMH’s other campaigns, they are still excited and honored to be part of such an important cause.

“It’s all for a good cause,” shares Mr. May and 2009 Cover boy, Kalman Fekete.  “Sure, there’s a lot of teasing from the guys that comes along with it,” he says with a chuckle, “but it’s all worth it in the end.”

For some of the firefighters, the cause is very close to the heart.

“My father was suffering from colon cancer a couple of years ago,” Frank Gagliardi, thoughtfully shares, “and my father was cared for by the staff at Princess Margaret.  They are amazing, really, and so patient.  I admire them and the work that they do.”

From left: Author Sabrina Baldini, Firefighters Phil Meredith, Frank Gagliardi and Kalman Fekete

So, does being a calendar boy have its benefits?

While they all agree that having throngs of women ogle them at signings and at the June competition where they are selected is lots of fun, they insist they are no sex symbols.

“Sure, at the competition all the women are screaming” Phil Meredith laughs, “but as soon as the competition was over and the uniform came off, I walked right on out of there and none of the women noticed!”

Well, everyone knows women are suckers for a man in a uniform.  But jokes aside, the work that these men put into the fight against cancer is admirable.

Putting out fires, rescuing people from burning buildings, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for cancer research, saving lives everyday, in more ways than one…  All in a day’s work for Toronto’s finest.

To purchase the 2010 Toronto Fire Fighter Calender, click here.

For more information on the Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation or to donate, click here.

Post from: Blisstree

Toronto Firefighters Heat Things Up

The Empress, now part of the Fairmont brand, opened in 1908, and although it has been through a variety of restorations, the original look remains.  It’s been a favorite of Hollywood, old and new, and is a popular choice for special occasions.

Many people, even if they’re not staying at the hotel, opt to visit for the legendary Afternoon Tea.  Served in the Tea Lobby, the Harborside Room, and in the Library, Afternoon Tea has been an Empress tradition for nearly 100 years.  Seating starts at noon and requires reservations, often times weeks in advance.  You can always check for a last minute cancellation, or no-show, as reservations are only held for 10 minutes.

The hotel strives for authenticity with the menu and the presentation.  Here’s a little sample from the menu:

• Fresh Seasonal Fruit with Chantilly Cream
• Warm Raisin Scones served with Strawberry preserves and Devonshire Cream
• Smoked Salmon Pinwheel Sandwiches
• Multigrain Crostini topped with mixed Mushroom Pate, drizzled with Truffle Oil (open-faced)
• Battenburg-Vanilla and Chocolate Sponge Checkerboard wrapped in marzipan
• Lemon Tart- Lemon Curd with Berry Garnish
• Marble Chocolate Tulip- a cherry hidden under milk and white Chocolate in a Chocolate Tulip Cup

An Afternoon Royal Tea, which includes a glass of champagne is also available.  If you’re traveling with children, they’ll be treated like royalty with the Prince & Princess Tea, which has menu selections specifically designed for a child’s palate:

• Teddy Bear Cookies
• Mini Cup Cake filled with Jelly Beans
• Cucumber Finger Sandwiches
• Heart-Shaped Cream Cheese & Raspberry Jam Sandwich
• Bubblegum Tea

The Fairmont Empress is located at 721 Government Street (overlooking the Inner Harbor) in Victoria, British Columbia.

Photo credit: Paul Mannix @flickr

Post from: Blisstree

A Bit of Old England at the Empress Hotel, British Columbia

Thanks to Jody, who writes NotB4Coffee from Canada for guest posting on Blog Fabulous.

My name is Jody. My husband Mel and I live in Canada. I am an American that cannot afford to live in my own country, because I can’t afford health care. Thank goodness Mel is a duel citizen.

To cut my story short I was working in the fiber optic field on a job for the government when I fell and injured my leg. The fall was due to a direct order from a superior that I could not refuse. His words were just do it my way, time is money.

Well here I am living in another country because of this fall I went through three surgeries and months of therapy and told that I am 50% disabled. Oh yes partly because of this injury health insurance for Mel and myself was going to be over $1,000 per month.

As soon as I could walk my problem was, just that, my problem. The company I was working for works for the government therefore the care for my leg is now up to me. Now this injury has affected my back. 
Wouldn’t you think that having this kind of injury would entitle you to some kind of health care?

I am furious that spilling coffee in your lap when you know that it is hot gets more attention then those of us that get hurt on the job and cast aside.

Not only can I not afford to live in my country, I had to leave my children and grandchildren behind. I need not tell you mothers how heart breaking this is. 

Action Steps from Tracee: Do your research about what each candidate is willing to do to help American’s resolve the healthcare crisis in America.

Barack Obama, will do away with preexisting condition exclusions, and require insurance companies to insure every American for an affordable premium by establishing large insurance pools. The insurance will be paid for by both employee and employer contributions. Yet, your insurance will not be tied to a specific job, leaving you free to change jobs, open a small business or go freelance.

John McCain will “let the market work it out,” release the employer obligation to insure employees and give Americans families a $5,000 tax credit ($2,500 individual). States, and their Governors, will be responsible for most insurance reform. (Who’s running in your state? Pay attention. It’s important.)

The United States is expected to spend 20%, that’s TWENTY PERCENT of it’s gross national spending during the next President’s tenure.

You are smart enough to think about which plan helps YOUR specific family and vote accordingly.

Click on each candidate’s names and read their plans.

Post from: Blisstree

Thank Goodness I Married A Canadian!