Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
A MITCHELL Street business is showing its sweet side by supporting National Red Balloon Day.
Harry's Lolly Shop will donate $2 from every sale of a special range of red lollies to the state's firefighters.
Shop owner Ben Dillon said he was made aware of the national event on Facebook and decided to help.
"We saw the post on Facebook and saw it was a local event," he said.
"We thought we would jump on board and do something to help."
Mr Dillon said the business was selling bags of red frogs, raspberries, chocolate freckles and chocolate buttons.
He said official National Red Balloon Day balloons of thanks would also be on sale in the store.
"We created some special products," he said.
"They are the most-popular lollies in the store.
"We haven't set a target or any sort of amount we want to raise, anything is good."
Mr Dillon said he had friends and colleagues who worked as volunteer firefighters.
"We have friends and colleagues that are volunteers, so we see and hear about the work that they do," he said.
"You appreciate the courage they have to save communities, homes and lives.
"They deserve more than just one day (of recognition)."
Mr Dillon said his business had participated in Wear Orange Wednesday, in the past, to support the State Emergency Service.
Bendigo's Jody Hardiman and Aleasha Gilbert, and two others, are responsible for setting up the national day of thanks.
It is a day dedicated to appreciating the efforts of Australia's firefighters and is gaining momentum in communities across the country.
Residents are encouraged to buy a red balloon and tie it to their letter boxes, gates or fences as a symbol of thanks.
Official printed balloons can be purchased by visiting www.nationalredballoonday.com
Balloons cost $1 each and can be bought in packs of one, five and 10.
National Red Balloon Day is on February 28, the last day of the fire season.