3 minute read
Message from Jurek Owsiak
FAQ
What do you do?
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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 eight medical initiatives and one educational project as well as providing equipment for medics battling coronavirus and engaging in other charitable projects.
How much money have you raised in aid of Polish medicine?
We have raised over PLN 1,75 billion (almost EUR 373,660,000)! We bought and donated nearly 70,000 pieces of medical equipment and we continue our medical purchases.
What does the name of your charity mean?
Jurek Owsiak, a man with an abstract sense of humour and founder of our organisation, came up with the name in 1993 when the first Grand Finale fundraiser took place. No, we are not an orchestra, but music is an integral part of our activities. We love music, and we want everyone to raise funds and have fun at the same time. We „play” so that children have access to the top-class medical equipment.
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. We are based 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. He was also appointed an UN Ambassador for Sustainable Development Goals.
Do you buy equipment only for Polish hospitals?
Yes, we aim to support public hospitals in Poland, but we engage in international humanitarian actions too.
What is the Grand Finale, and when does it take place?
Grand Finale is our charitable fundraiser, and it takes place on one day, traditionally on Sunday, in January. Our fundraiser is organised locally and often features many entertainment, sporting, and cultural activities.
Do you fundraise in Poland only?
Volunteers hold local collections across Poland and everywhere where there is a vibrant Polish community. Everyone is welcome to join our community of volunteers and take part in the fundraiser. It’s always fun!
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 are involved in the Grand Finale?
120,000 volunteers support us across the globe! Since the beginning of our work, we estimate that 3,000,000 activists were involved in our fundraiser.
What is a Collection Centre?
Collection Centre is a local hub of activity, where activists organise 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. There are usually 1,700 local Collection Centres registered with our charity – both in Poland and abroad.
What’s up with the red stickers?
Volunteers give out red stickers to people who donated money on the day of the Grand Finale. Our logo is one of the most recognised 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 organise other events?
Yes! One major event organised by our charity is the biggest non-commercial open-air Festival in Europe – Pol’and’Rock Festival, formerly known as Woodstock Festival Poland. In 2022, our festival was once again held under the open skies in a brand new, picturesque location in Czaplinek-Broczyno Airfield in western Poland.
Is your Festival free?
Yes, it is the biggest free open-air music festival in Europe!
