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BENDIGO Mazda has come on board with National Red Balloon Day in a big way.
In support of the nation's firefighters, the local business has paid for 15,000 red balloons to help the community show its support on February 28.
Of these 5000 will go to the National Red Balloon Day organisers to raise money for the CFA and 10,000 will be given away by the Bendigo Advertiser.
The donation means all proceeds from the sale of the balloons will go to the CFA.
Dealer principal Richard Opie said it was a great cause.
“The fireys put their lives on the line to save houses, homes and people so we wanted to do our bit,” he said.
“We paid for the cost of the balloons which means that when they sell a balloon every dollar gets donated.
“It has been a long hot summer, dangerously hot with extreme temperatures, everyone has been on edge.
"The fireys do a great job.”
NRBD coordinator Jody Hardiman said it was great that Bendigo Mazda had come on board.
“It is certainly the largest quantity anyone has purchased,” she said.
“They have paid for the balloons which means everything now will be profit and their donations will go to the CFA.
“It is great they are showing their support for the fire fighters.
“It is about more people sharing balloons and showing their support for the fire services.”
The Bendigo Advertiser will give the first 10,000 people who buy a copy of the paper on February 27, the day before NRBD, a balloon to show their support.
Bendigo Advertiser editor Rod Case said the fireys had done an amazing job, given the possible consequences of the many fires that had broken out this year.
“The Bendigo Advertiser has decided to get on board because as a community-minded business we see it as a great way to recognise all the fire crews who have kept us safe this summer,” he said.
The Bendigo Advertiser will also publish special red balloon ‘thank you fireys’ poster in the week leading up to the day to allow people to show their support in shop windows or in their homes.