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STAFF at Bendigo newsagents were busy handing out red balloons with copies of the Bendigo Advertiser on Thursday morning.
The "Thank You Fireys" balloons are part of the National Red Balloon Day campaign on Friday.
Customers who receive a balloon are encouraged to display them out the front of their homes, businesses or workplaces on Friday in support of the country's firefighters.
John Moore from Strath Village Newsagency said the initiative was well-received by Bendigo Advertiser readers.
"People have been coming in for their paper and I've been asking them if they'd like a balloon," he said.
"The response has been good.
"Most people are quite happy to take a balloon and they've said it's a good idea.
"They've all been in support of firefighters and the great work they do."
They've all been in support of firefighters and the great work they do.
- John Moore
Mr Moore said firefighters did an amazing job.
"I just don't know how they do it sometimes, it's amazing," he said.
"They deserve recognition."
Sherridan McMahon, 21, was more than happy to receive a balloon with her newspaper.
"It's a good idea," she said.
"It's a great way to raise awareness for what the CFA does and give thanks to all the firefighters."
Organisers of National Red Balloon Day are urging people to dispose of their balloons correctly.
Organiser Jody Hardiman asked people to display their balloons on Friday and to place them in the rubbish bin once they took them down.
"People should securely tie the balloon for one day to their letter box, front door or business front," she said.
"Once the day is over, pop it and put it in your wheelie bin so the environmental damage is minimal."
Ms Hardiman said she was aware a lot of people would use helium in their balloons but the National Red Balloon Day foundation did not promote it.
Send your Red Balloon Day photos to the Bendigo Advertiser by emailing cos@bendigoadvertiser.com.au