Table of Contents Our Mission 3 FAQ 4 Get to know us 6 Our Awards 8 Grand Finale Fundraiser 8 Volunteers 9
Our Mission
Collection Centre 10
There are few non-governmental initiatives which have helped shape the social landscape of a country in the way that the Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity has influenced Poland.
Corporate Support 11 Support our Charity 12 Finances and Accountability 13 International Collection Centres 14 Our Medical Initiatives 16 Branches of Medicine We Support 20 Geriatrics 21 Love Heals Initiative 22 Rehabilitation Equipment 23 Get Even with Diabetes 24
Our charity, established by Jurek Owsiak, has been working since 1993 and it grew to be one of the best-known charities in the country. Our work is now synonymous with charity, voluntary service and social involvement for citizens of Poland and Polish community overseas. We work to improve the conditions at public hospitals in Poland, mainly focusing on different branches of paediatrics.
The Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity has raised
EUR 250 000 000 (PLN 1 100 000 000 according to NBP exchange rate of 20.11.2019)
CPR for Schools 26
We purchased 61 900 pieces of medical equipment such as CT scanners, incubators, surgery and rehabilitation equipment, medical devices for oncology wards and equipment such as hospital beds and other furniture.
Peace Patrol 28 Humanitarian Initiatives 29 Pol’and’Rock Festival 30 No Hate, Just Rock Initiative 34 Our Media 35 Our Merchandise 36 Szadowo-Młyn Training Centre 38
2
We aim to buy only the best, most advanced medical devices to ensure that all children in Poland have access to top-quality medical care. The charity has initiated, finances, and helps run seven medical projects, which systematically transform Polish medicine. The charity also promotes first aid and CPR knowledge by running an educational initiative. We introduced CPR training to almost 3 000 000 children from primary schools across the country.
3
Do you fundraise in Poland only?
FAQ What do you do?
We are the Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity (GOCC for short), and we raise funds to buy modern equipment for public hospitals in Poland. We focus our work on improving conditions in paediatric and neonatal hospitals. We also finance seven medical initiatives and one educational project.
How much money have you raised in aid of Polish medicine? We have raised over EUR 250 000 000 (PLN 1 100 000 000 according to NBP exchange rate of 20.11.2019)! We bought 61 900 pieces of medical equipment.
What does the name of your charity mean? Jurek Owsiak, a man with an abstract sense of humour and founder of our organization, came up with the name 1993, when the first Grand Finale fundraiser took place. No, we are not an orchestra, but we „play” so that children have access to top-class medical equipment. We love music, and we want everyone to raise funds and have fun at the same time.
How to get in touch with you? You can send us an e-mail to wosp@wosp.org.pl or get in touch with us via social media channels. Our office is in Warsaw, Poland.
Who is Jurek Owsiak?
Jurek Owsiak is a journalist and radio broadcaster. He is also a social activist and founder of the Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity Foundation and the mastermind behind Pol’ and’Rock Festival. Jurek is one of the most influential people in Poland.
Do you buy equipment only for Polish hospitals? Yes, we aim to support public hospitals in Poland, but we were involved in international humanitarian actions before.
What is the Grand Finale, and when does it take place? Grand Finale is our charitable fundraiser, and traditionally it takes place on the second Sunday of January. Our fundraiser is organized locally and often features many entertainment,
Volunteers hold local collections across Poland and everywhere where there is a vibrant Polish community. Everyone is welcome to join our community of volunteers.
How to volunteer with you? You can volunteer with us on the day of the Grand Finale by raising money, or you can get involved in the work of a local Collection Centre. You can also join Peace Patrol and co-create the biggest non-commercial events in Europe – the Grand Finale Fundraiser and Pol’and’Rock Festival.
How many volunteers help you? One hundred twenty thousand volunteers support us across the globe!
What is a Collection Centre?
Collection Centre is a local hub of activity, where activists organize their own, regional editions of the fundraiser. Collection Centres assume responsibility for the fundraiser: enrol and instruct volunteers and hold events making the Grand Finale a real community celebration.
What’s up with the red stickers? Red stickers are given out by volunteers to people who donated money on the day of the Grand Finale. Our logo is one of the most recognized symbols in the country!
How can I donate? You can find a volunteer and donate in person on the day of the Grand Finale fundraiser. You can also support us online, make a direct money transfer or take part in exciting online (and offline) auctions.
Do you organize other events? Yes! One major event held by our charity is the biggest non-commercial open-air festival in Europe – Pol’and’Rock Festival, which used to be known as Woodstock Festival Poland.
Is your festival free?
Yes, it is the biggest free open-air music festival in Europe!
How many people come to Pol’and’Rock Festival? We estimate that 700 000 people come to Pol’and’Rock. Find out more about us: en.wosp.org.pl
sporting, and cultural activities.
4
5
Get to know us! Our awards:
Jurek Owsiak is the founder, chairman of the board of the Foundation and the longest-serving volunteer of the charity.
Other members of the board are: Professor Piotr Burczyński, M.D. Lidia Niedźwiedzka-Owsiak Professor Bohdan Maruszewski, M.D.
4
We have been honoured to receive – among many others: European Citizen’s Prize established by the European Parliament 1 Two nominations for the Nobel Peace Prize 2 Polish Medical Society Award 3 Effie Awards 4 Złote Spinacze Awards 5 Honorary Award of Polish Cardiothoracic Surgeon Association 6 European Institute of Culture and Media Award – POLONICUS Pearls of Medicine 7 Best Festival Promotor: International Music Industry Awards Peace Summit Medal for Social Activism – awarded to Jurek Owsiak at the World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates Woman of the Year Award 2017 – awarded to Lidia Niedźwiedzka-Owsiak “Plus ratio quam vis” – awarded to Jerzy Owsiak Kyoto-Kraków Andrzej Wajda & Krystyna Zachwatowicz Foundation Award for outstanding social activism in the spirit of social solidarity 8 Awards for “Pierwsza Pomoc” (First Aid) board game Award for work for the public benefit awarded to Jurek Owsiak by the Polish Business Club 2
Supervisory board Professor Andrzej Budaj Irena Eris, PhD Fr. Arkadiusz Nowak Professor Bogumiła Milewska-Bobula Professor Michał Matysiak 1
The Most Trustworthy Organization in Poland 85% of Poles trust our charity and it’s the highest result out of all non-governmental organizations in the country. Our charity is associated with qualities such as openness, community, and trust. What is more, 97% Poles know our brand and 80% of them know that money donated in aid of the charity will go towards its goal and will be spent conscientiously and honestly.
6
5
8
3
7
7
6
About the Grand Finale Fundraiser Grand Finale is a one-day public charitable fundraiser, which traditionally takes place on the second Sunday of January. Our charitable collection is held internationally, and it is run by the local hubs of activity – Collection Centres. 1700 Collection Centres organize the work of 120 000 volunteers. Our charitable Orchestra “plays” across the world, in Australia, New Zealand, Japan, across Europe and Russia, in the Americas, on board of Polish ships, and even at the North Pole research station! Since 1993, Grand Finale fundraiser is held in aid of a specific medical objective. Our main goal is to support Polish children’s hospitals and purchase modern medical equipment. Benefactors can support the effort by putting money in the Collection Boxes, making online and mobile transfers as well as taking part in charitable auctions held via Allegro platform. The Grand Finale is a vibrant, joyous occasion - much more than a fundraiser. There are entertaining fundraising events, such as concerts, fairs, performances and sporting and creative activities for kids and grown-ups held in aid of our objective. The Grand Finale inspires people to volunteer and becomes an opportunity to engage in social activism. It is a way for communities to bond and for people to take up action. Each Grand Finale fundraiser is a grassroots initiative, organized by local activists and relying on local resources. Even though each Grand Finale is different, there are some standard features of each event, for instance, charitable auctions and raffles. One of the highlights of the day is a firework display or its alternative - at 8 PM communities come together to admire the different light shows.
28th Grand Finale We choose medical objectives of each fundraiser very carefully, and this year we will focus on raising money and purchasing equipment used in paediatric surgery and treatment. We will buy medical devices for children’s cardiac surgery, general surgery, and neurosurgery.
8
Volunteers Volunteers are the driving force of our initiative. Group of 120 000 people of all ages, creeds, and worldviews contribute their time, energy and enthusiasm to create the most vibrant and exciting fundraiser in the country! Everyone is welcome to volunteer, and we are happy to see so many volunteers returning to „play” with us. What is more, our volunteers often return with their family members and friends who also join our initiative. Our oldest volunteer was well over ninety years old, while the youngest was just a few months old. Everyone can contribute as much time and effort as they can. You can become one of the core members of the Crew at the Collection Centre and oversee the entire organisation of the local event, or become a part of the team tasked with raising funds on the day of the Grand Finale. Volunteering with us is easy and fun – everyone is welcome. The best way to learn more about volunteering is getting in touch with your local Collection Centre, because each Grand Finale is different.
On the day of the Grand Finale Each Grand Finale volunteer should have their ID card, Collection Box and an ample supply of heart stickers. Volunteers can fundraise in public places and during different fundraising events. In exchange for donations, people receive stickers in the shape of our logo. Everyone in Poland knows our heart-shaped symbol!
9
Collection Centre The idea behind our charitable event is to engage local communities. We let local activists take the reins of the fundraising in their area. We provide them with essentials (collection boxes & promotional materials & ID badges), and each year we are surprised by the creativity and resourcefulness of our volunteers. Local activists form Collection Centres, which apart from drafting volunteers and holding the one-day public collection, become hubs of activity for the local community. Collection Centre staff go above and beyond: they organise concerts, hold parties, cook-outs, raffles, fairs, sporting events, and other - fun, surprising, and extraordinary initiatives. Local Grand Finales draw attention to their fundraising efforts and publicising the case locally and nationwide. There are almost 1 700 Collection Centres registered each year, and there are nearly 80 Collection Centres formed abroad. What is more, business owners can display our Collection Boxes on their premises to support the objective of the Grand Finale fundraiser. Thank you and keep rocking!
Corporate Support Local Collection Centres are purely grassroots initiatives. We do not finance local events, fundraising initiatives, and other running costs of holding local actions. We always stress the fact that the money raised in aid of our charitable goal MUST NOT go towards holding any events associated with the Grand Finale initiative. ALL funds must go towards the medical objective of the Grand Finale Different Collection Centres might have different needs, and there are many ways in which you can help volunteers. Supporting the biggest charitable initiative in the country can improve your company’s image and promote your products and services to the local community. If your company can offer any form of support: material, financial, or provide your services free of charge, please get in touch with your local Collection Centre!
10
11
Our Finances and Accountability Fundraising practices Our main fundraising activity is the annual, one-day public charitable collection. One hundred twenty thousand volunteers collect funds in Poland and abroad, 1 700 Collection Centres hold a variety of fundraising events and initiatives, businesses raise funds on their premises, and we run different online fundraisers. Our benefactors can make direct bank transfers or donate 1% of their tax return in aid of our mission.
Financial reports and transparency It takes us a year and a half to file a complete financial statement of how we managed the money raised at the Grand Finale fundraiser. We have to get through all requests for equipment we received from the hospitals, hold open tenders to buy the equipment, and wait for it to be delivered to hospitals. Sometimes we need to wait for the devices to be produced and shipped from factories outside Poland. Once the machines are delivered, and staff is instructed on how to use them, we can file our financial report. We strive to be transparent, honest and accountable for the funds we raised. Independent surveyors audit our performance. We submit our financial reports to all relevant supervisory bodies – appropriate revenue offices, Ministries of Health, Administration, Labour and Social Policy and Ministry of Finances. The administrative costs of the Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity Foundation (based on the accounting summary for the year 2018) amounted to 4.10% of the revenue. We do not finance the Grand Finale fundraiser or Pol’and’Rock Festival with the money we collect. All money donated by our benefactors goes towards medical objective, running of our medical and educational initiatives and other projects as stated in our charter.
Equipment Purchases
How to support our mission? Your donations have the power to change the conditions at public hospitals in Poland! Apart from dropping money into the Collection Box on the day of the Grand Finale, can donate online, on our website, or send a direct money transfer to our account. Benefactors paying taxes in Poland can also choose our charity as recipients of 1% of their tax. We receive donations made through Facebook fundraisers and other digital platforms. All proceeds made from the sale of our merchandise in SiemaShop go towards funding the running of our charity.
12
Each Grand Finale fundraiser is held in aid of a specific branch of medicine. We begin the process by compiling hospital requests for equipment. We then hold Open Tenders, where our medical and technical experts assess offers made by the manufacturers and dealers of medical equipment. We can negotiate the best possible deals on medical devices. The report of the purchases made at each Open Tender is filed with the relevant Ministries. Having accounted for all purchases, we submit a full financial report listing: the amount, worth, quality, type of equipment we purchased and specify where the equipment will be delivered to.
You can check how we spent your donation! Everyone can look into our spending practices. Website nacoidamojepieniadze.wosp. org.pl provides a detailed breakdown of our expenses, accounting for how much money went towards the purchase of equipment and how much was used to finance medical and educational initiatives.
13
International Collection Centres Our initiative first went international in 1993, when a group of amazing enthusiasts from New York City decided to hold the first-ever Grand Finale fundraiser outside of Poland. The Polish community in the US raised money during a fantastic rock’n’roll concert at the Cricket Club. Twenty-seven years later we have gone global - our charitable Orchestra begins the fundraiser in Japan, New Zealand, and Australia, taking it across Asia and to Moscow, Russia. Most Collection Centres are active in Europe - with activists joining our initiative in Germany, Benelux, France, Spain, United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, and Iceland. GOCC volunteers fundraise across the US and in Mexico! Out of 1700 Collection Centres registered annually, there are almost 80 working abroad.
Local Initiative - Global Impact Even though our main objective has always been supporting Polish public healthcare, and Polish ex-pat community is the main driving force behind the fundraiser, Grand Finale is an excellent addition to a community calendar. First and foremost, it is a great way to meet new people, experience Polish culture and strengthen a vibrant, diverse community. Grand Finale events become a showcase for Polish music, cuisine, and hospitality. With a thousand different events, such as raffles, concerts, competitions, and sporting activities taking place across the globe, everyone can find something to fit their taste. Collection Centres are all grassroots initiatives and to put out a series of fun community events, they rely on the support of local authorities and businesses. Every little helps - a friendly venue or a great catering company which is ready to offer their services free of charge can help our volunteers go that extra mile to create a fantastic fundraiser for all community is welcome to enjoy!
14
15
Our medical initiatives
Nationwide Programme for Non-invasive Respiratory Support of New-borns Nationwide Programme for Prevention and Treatment of Retinopathy of Prematurity We launched this initiative in 2001. We opened and equipped 19 specialist laser therapy centres allowing the diagnosis and treatment of children whose retina has been damaged due to premature birth. By the end of 2017, the Foundation equipped all neonatal intensive care units and ophthalmology wards in Poland with 125 ophthalmoscopes (devices used to see inside the fundus of the eye) and 27 laser devices. By the end of 2018, doctors have examined and diagnosed 241 118 prematurely born babies. Doctors saved eyesight of 9 780 babies!
Nationwide Programme for New-born Hearing Screening We launched this initiative in 2002. All children born in Poland have their hearing tested for free. The tests allow medical professionals to diagnose any hearing defects at a very early stage and take action as fast as it is possible. Since 2002 we have been able to finance the tests of over 6 140 000 new-born babies!
16
We launched this initiative in 2003. Our goal is to lower the number of cases in which mechanical ventilation of premature babies and new-borns is necessary. Mechanical ventilation often leads to severe pulmonary complications, whereas, a non-invasive method does not require for the infant to be intubated. It is also safe to use on even the smallest new-borns. We bought 760 devices and doctors used them in 55 552 cases.
Nationwide Programme for Early Cancer Diagnosis in Children We launched this initiative in 2009. The aim of this medical programme is to create a nationwide system of early cancer diagnosis for the young patients. To achieve this we equipped cancer diagnostics centres and oncology wards. We bought 80 sophisticated ultrasound systems and 6 CT scanners. We also equipped a sophisticated ONCOLAB with devices worth PLN 2 000 000. Early cancer diagnosis is detrimental in establishing a successful treatment plan.
17
Nationwide Programme for Treating Limb Defects in Children We launched this initiative in 2017. We want to ensure that children born with limb defects have access to modern and effective treatment at Polish hospitals. We have equipped Specialist Orthopaedic Clinics in Poznań and Warsaw in 20 Taylor Spatial Frames and 8 Modular Rail System sets.
Programme for Paediatric Rheumatic Diseases Diagnostics We launched this initiative in 2019. This new initiative aims to equip Paediatric Rheumatology Centres with medical equipment, ensuring that all children have access to professional treatment and care. We have bought sophisticated ultrasound systems for 14 Rheumatology Centres. We also aim to raise awareness and educate parents and doctors about children’s rheumatic diseases symptoms and treatment.
18
Nationwide Programme for Personal Insulin Pump Treatment of Pregnant Women with Diabetes We launched this initiative in 2004. Since 2004 we have purchased 1373 modern personal insulin pumps which are available for rent. Personal insulin pumps make managing diabetes easier and less stressful, what is more conductive for a healthy pregnancy. Insulin pumps are rented free of charge. Until the end of November 2018, 3717 women rented personal insulin pumps and 1 567 healthy babies were born!
Nationwide Programme for Personal Insulin Pump Treatment of Children with Diabetes Wet terminated this programme in 2008 when a state-run medical programme replaced our initiative. Our charity purchased insulin pumps which gave children a chance for a simpler and more active life despite diabetes.
19
We support different branches of medicine Even though we are best-known for our annual fundraising drive, our charity works all year round to ensure that children in Polish hospitals receive the best possible care. We have donated equipment for:
Dignified care for the elderly
Paediatric oncology & haematology Paediatric cardiac surgery Paediatric Nephrology Paediatric anaesthesiology & neonatal intensive care Neonatal surgery Paediatric Gastroenterology Paediatrics Neonatology Paediatric traumatology & orthopaedic surgery Paediatric Otorhinolaryngology, audiology and Phoniatrics
Our attention has been drawn to the dire condition of geriatric and long-term care units in Polish hospitals. These wards were in a desperate situation – lacking not only high-tech medical equipment but also some of the essential furnishings. Our charity decided to take up the challenge and ensure that elderly patients receive medical care in dignified conditions. We have collected funds for geriatrics four times - in 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017. We donated 13 642 devices worth over PLN 99 000 000 (over EUR 23 000 000 ) to 314 medical facilities in Poland. We donated: 8 289 beds 1 590 anti-bedsore mattresses
Paediatric Urology
875 wheelchairs
Paediatric diabetology
229 patient lifts
Paediatric Ophthalmology
286 bath chairs
Paediatric pulmonology Paediatric rheumatology
Unfortunately, the fate of this branch of medicine has been threatened – the government decided to withdraw geriatric wards from the National Health Fund financing system.
Geriatrics
20
21
Love Heals One of the critical factors in a child’s treatment and recovery is emotional comfort, stability, and stress-free environment and that’s why parents, guardians and loved ones need to be present by the little patient’s bedside. The Foundation’s board committed to change adverse conditions at paediatric wards and purchase recliners, chairs and fold-up beds to be used by parents staying by their children’s bedsides. We bought and donated 4 889* recliners and chairs as well as 323 nursing chairs which will serve parents staying with their children at 471 hospitals across the country. *data from 08.10.2019 We know that love heals, so we are aiming to transform Polish hospitals into places where comfort and modern technology can bring healing to children in need!
We help disabled children Since 2005 we have been actively helping disabled children, and since 2018 we extended this programme to help young adults as well. Even though our main focus is on purchasing equipment for Polish hospitals, we decided to finance the purchase of rehabilitation equipment for individuals – disabled children and young people under 26 years of age In 2018 we have helped 529 children and by September 2019, we have been able to support the rehabilitation of 384 children and young adults. Since the launch of this initiative, we have bought equipment for 5 905 children and young adults, spending PLN 24 020 083.
22
23
Charitable run We hold a charitable run which helps us raise awareness and serves to raise money for the purchase of personal insulin pumps for pregnant women with diabetes. The main event takes place in Warsaw, where 5000 runners participate in a 5K race. Money raised through the sale of starter packs goes towards the purchase of personal insulin pumps. We were able to buy 72 personal insulin pumps! The event can take different forms when organized by various Collection Centres - it can be a jog, or a Nordic walking race, for example. For example, there were 100 sporting activities organized during the 27th Grand Finale There were 27 500 participants who had one goal – to show their support of people living with diabetes and promote healthy lifestyle!
Get Even with Diabetes The key element of living with diabetes is managing insulin intake, so having reliable information about the sugar content is extremely important. We’ve teamed up with food manufacturers, who pledged to put relevant nutritional information on food packaging. It makes it much easier to calculate blood sugar levels on the go.
24
25
Learning CPR can be fun We want to promote first aid and CPR knowledge, so we hold two events aiming to show how easy and fun it is to learn CPR. CPR for Schools Competition - the schools taking part in our educational initiative can participate in an exciting and educational competition. Each competition stage is designed to test their knowledge, creativity and skills, and the final of the competition is an exciting location-based game taking the kids across famous Warsaw landmarks. Record in Simultaneous CPR session is a nationwide event, held in aid of World Restart a Heart Day. We want to promote CPR knowledge everywhere by encouraging organizations and individuals to take part in a simultaneous CPR session. To date, 500 000 people joined our initiative!
CPR for Schools – our educational initiative The initiative was launched in 2006. We want to introduce universal CPR and first aid education to all primary pupils. We organize free training courses. Our qualified instructors show primary school teachers all they need to know about CPR and teaching first aid to their young pupils. We also provide books and teaching aids to schools taking part in the initiative, so that children from primary schools nationwide have access to free, universal first aid and CPR education! 30 481 teachers took part in the training 12 557 schools participate in the programme 91% of schools in the country participate in the educational initiative 3 000 000 children learned CPR
26
27
Other initiatives and humanitarian actions We aim to go far beyond supporting medicine in Poland, engaging in different humanitarian initiatives and working on different platforms: In 1997 we organised 156 aid convoys, which brought supplies to flood-stricken regions of southern Poland. In 1999 we organised a medical convoy for Albanian refugees. In 2005 we purchased medical equipment for tsunami-stricken hospitals in Sri Lanka. We supplied five hospitals with much-needed devices. In 2006 we supported Polish Firefighting Services. In 2010 we organised ‚Small Finale’ themed ‚Stop Floods!’. The funds were raised in aid of Polish Voluntary Firefighting Services enabling us to equip 564 units. In 2012 we donated 100 ‚Braille typewriters’ for blind pupils from Kibeho school in Rwanda. In 2013 we organised first Now! Go Online conference on implementation of new technologies and how online presence can shape the work of the third sector. In 2014 we invited Polish NGOs to attend meetings and seminars on NGOs and the digital world.
Members of Peace Patrol are volunteers trained in first aid and event health & safety. Peace Patrol volunteers participate in two major events – Grand Finale charitable fundraiser and Pol’and’Rock Festival - but they take part in different activities! Peace Patrol is open to everyone willing to meet new people, learn new skills, and embark on an adventure of a lifetime. To become a festival steward and join the Patrol, you must first take part in a weekend training in our volunteer service centre in Szadowo-Młyn.
28
29
Our Festival is appreciated by event professionals:
2017
Music Festival Wizard Ranking: we are the third most popular European Festival and the most popular festival in Central Europe
WE BELIEVE IN LOVE, FRIENDSHIP, AND MUSIC! Pol’and’Rock Festival is the largest non-commercial music and arts festival in Europe. Yes, there are no tickets and concerts are all FREE! Formerly known as Woodstock Festival Poland, this massive event drew inspiration from the famous Woodstock Music and Arts Fair in 1969. The festival, held in Poland since 1994 continued to nurture the ideals of peace, love, and friendship, becoming a cult event in central Europe. Festival line-up is a vibrant mixture of emerging talent from all over the world and ultimate festival headliners, taking over five festival stages. We also make sure to promote cultural, educational, and social awareness campaigns.
Shortlisted in three categories in European Festival Awards for best brand activation, innovative health & safety solutions, and social involvement Woodstock Festival Poland has the most media presence according to Press Service Media Monitoring 450 000 online mentions the festival according to SentiOne monitoring service
2016
Woodstock Festival Poland is leading brand recognition ranking according to MillwardBrown & Young&Rubicam agency
2015
Jurek Owsiak (promotor of Woodstock Festival Poland) named the best festival promotor at MUSEXPO 2015
2014
Brief magazine honours Woodstock Festival Poland
2011
Polish Tourist Organization - Golden Certificate for Woodstock Festival Poland Woodstock Festival Poland is the best mass event of the decade - Onet „Złote Kropy” The festival hosts over 75 NGOs which present their initiatives and teach the festival-goers about their mission. The spheres of activities span from sports and recreation to human rights, equality, and LGBTQ rights. The Academy of the Finest of Arts hosts meetings with esteemed public figures, authorities in different fields: scientists, travellers, activists and artists. We estimate almost 700 000 people visited Pol’and’Rock Festival 2019 and you gave our festival the highest ranking!
Havas Sports & Entertainment: Woodstock Festival Poland is third in the ranking of best festivals in Europe (organization and logistics)
30
31
2009
Ale Sztuka ranking honours Woodstock Festival Poland and Jurek Owsiak Jurek Owsiak honoured for his efforts to promote Poland abroad by the foreign affairs minister, Adam Daniel Rotfelld.
Eco-Festival We are working hard to introduce changes before it is too late to save the planet. We all see the impact of pollution - there is plastic littering our oceans and forests, there is a shortage of natural resources, and the climate change looms over our icebergs. We want to do our bit and not only spread the word about environmental issues, but also make sure that our festival limits its environmental footprint. We pledge to phase out single plastic use, introduce eco-friendly solutions and encourage festival-goers to recycle their rubbish. We count on your help - please take care of your campsites and make sure to dispose of your waste responsibly.
We wanted to know what you think about the Festival… We value your opinion, so we teamed up with IQS market research company to find out what you think about the festival. You come to the festival because: You love the festival atmosphere – 47% You love spending time with your friends – 28% You love music and our line-up – 25% We are so proud that the atmosphere of the festival is the main drive bringing you to Pol’and’Rock Festival! 59% of you claim that the atmosphere of the festival sets us apart from any other music event. Your safety is our primary concern, and we are delighted to hear that 99% of you feel safe at the festival! We will be seeing 97% of you at the next edition of the festival and 98% of you are going to recommend your friends to visit. See you in 2020!
32
Inclusive event We are committed to making our festival space which is open and accessible to all. We introduce new accessible facilities and consider solutions which will improve the disabled people’s access to live music. We expanded the facilities for wheelchair users by building a wheelchair ramp in front of the Main Stage. Other facilities included accessible toilets, shower stalls, accessible food stalls and ramps leading to AFA tents. What is more, festival-goers could take part in awareness workshops. All meetings at AFA were translated into Polish sign language, and festival-goers could take part in sign language courses. Sound Touch Set technology allows festival-goers with hearing loss to experience the music. Festival-goers could rent backpacks and headphones to „feel” the beat. We are very proud of what we achieved in making the festival a more inclusive event, and we aim to put even more effort into setting a new standard of an open festival!
33
No Hate, Just Rock!
OUR MEDIA Follow Kręcioła YouTube channel for the latest updates about our charity and for live music videos from Pol’and’Rock Festival and behind-the-scenes interviews with the stars. youtube.com/kreciolatv Look for @kreciolatv online!
Standing to hate together. We believe that the solution to hate and hate speech lies in positivity. By tapping into creativity, friendliness, and kindness, we can put a stop to the spreading epidemics of hate. We would like to reach as many people as possible and to spread the message of support, friendship and trust. We believe that we can win this fight - as long as we all come together and create a community of mutual support and understanding. The first step of our awareness campaign was a debate. We were joined by top experts in the field: lawyers, educators, and social campaigners. Our initiative is backed by the Polish Ombudsman, Adam Bodnar, and we were overwhelmed by the public support of our idea.
Radio Pol’and’Rock
The second step of the campaign took place at Pol’and’Rock, where we wanted to reach the massive festival audience with our message of standing up to hate with positivity. We also wanted to create a robust and diverse community of people who pledge to look for a solution to the problem of hate.
Boasting the biggest collection of music recorded live, our internet radio is the best destination for rock music lovers everywhere! Listen online: http://radiopolandrock.pl
34
35
36
37
Szadowo-Młyn training centre Time for an adventure! Combining team-building and survival activities, retreats at the Szadowo-Młyn centre are a great way to bring your team together and learn new skills.
For adults We offer company retreats, team-building and first aid training courses tailored to your team’s requirements.
For kids We organize summer and winter camps for children and teenagers. Filled with fun activities, survival tasks and a lot of opportunities to learn, holiday camps are a great way for kids to learn, explore their skills, and meet new friends. Our qualified instructors will focus on building your kid’s confidence and knowledge. Ośrodek Szkoleniowy Szadowo-Młyn Szadowo 1, 82-500 Kwidzyn, tel. +48 55 261 34 55 szadowomlyn@szadowomlyn.pl www.facebook.com/szadowomlyn www.szadowomlyn.pl fot. Łukasz Widziszowski, Paweł Krupka, Dawid Ilnicki, Ola Drutkowska, Marlena Kuczko, Igor Kohutnicki, Cezary Lewandowski, Michał Kwaśniewski, Damian Mękal, Dariusz Breś, Marcin Michoń, Lucyna Lewandowska, Marta Szpakowska, Stanisław Wadas
38