Burt ‘Calendar Girl’ Kathleen set to call time on annual charity fundraiser

The much-loved Burt, Inch and Fahan Charity Calendar is set to come to an end after 15 successful editions, bringing the curtain down on a fundraising initiative that has raised tens of thousands of euro for worthy causes over the past decade and a half.

The latest calendar has once again made a significant contribution to local charities, with €1,695 presented to Donegal Hospice and €1,595 donated to Foyle Hospice from proceeds of the 2025 edition.

Cheque presentations were recently made to both hospices, which expressed their heartfelt gratitude to organiser Kathleen Grant, her supporters, and everyone who purchased a calendar.

Both hospices thanked Kathleen and her friends for raising such a fantastic amount through the annual calendar, adding that everyone who bought a copy had helped make a real difference.

However, Kathleen has now announced that the 2026 edition – the 15th calendar since its launch – will be the final one as she prepares to take a well-earned step back after more than a decade of dedicated fundraising.

“The Burt, Inch and Fahan Calendar Girl is retiring from producing the calendar this year,” she smiled. “2026 is my final one, and the money this year will go to Oncology Services at Letterkenny University Hospital.”

Kathleen explained how the idea for the calendar was born in 2012 during a meeting to discuss ways of raising funds to erect a children’s memorial statue in Burt Cemetery.

“Someone suggested a calendar, and we widened it to include Inch and Fahan too,” she recalled.

She also revealed the reason why Burt always appears first in the calendar’s title.

“There is always a wee debate as to what part of our parish should come first in print. The late Fr Laurence O'Brien PP said it was wherever you were standing! I was thrilled with this idea as I feel this beautiful parish of ours is not publicised enough.”

Kathleen said her motivation was never solely about fundraising.

“What motivated me to keep producing it every year was to showcase our valued history and beauty, and fundraising comes naturally to me.”

The decision to support Donegal Hospice, Foyle Hospice, and now Oncology Services is deeply personal. Kathleen revealed how eight members of the Grant family have been diagnosed with cancer over the years, including herself.

“The Donegal Hospice and Foyle Hospice are always at the top of my list as there are so, so many families visited by cancer. This year’s calendar is also to help Oncology Services. I am also aware that the hospices look after all ill people who need their specialised care.”

Reflecting on the success of the project, Kathleen paid tribute to the community whose generosity has sustained it over the past 15 years.

“These 15 calendars would not have been the success they were only for the generosity in abundance of the local people and many further afield. The local shops helped to sell them, 36 local businesses came on board to sponsor the calendar, and great friends helped to distribute them and donated their wonderful photographs.”

As the final donation approaches, Kathleen’s remarkable contribution leaves behind not only tens of thousands of euro for worthy causes but also a lasting photographic record of one of Inishowen’s most scenic and historic parishes.