Orange was the colour of choice on Wednesday as Bendigonians said thanks to the State Emergency Service.
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The annual Wear Orange Wednesday encourages people to add a little bit of orange to their day, whether it be by dressing up or decorating shop windows.
Marong SES media liaison Robin Neller said it was heartwarming to see the support in the wider Bendigo area.
“It was fantastic – there was a huge amount of support,” she said.
Ms Neller said many businesses got involved, with Fitzpatrick's Home Hardware, BWS stores and Rocklea Cafe all going above and beyond.
Donation tins are also located in BWS stores for the month of May with money raised going to all three SES units in the City of Greater Bendigo.
Ms Neller said the day was a chance for the volunteers to connect with people when they weren’t soaking wet in the early hours of the morning, as often is the case in their work.
“When you go out at 3am and cut up a tree or rescue someone after storm damage, you get people in their worst moments,” she said.
“When you can see them when you’re not soaked to the bone, it makes it all the more worthwhile.”
Ms Neller said Wear Orange Wednesday was also a day to recognise the employers, families and others who supported the volunteers.
“They make sacrifices too,”