Annual Polish fundraiser collecting money for pediatric care
Poland's biggest annual fundraiser known as the Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity (WOSP) is holding its 33rd Finale on Sunday with volunteers countrywide gathering funds to help children with cancer and blood diseases.
Charity events are taking place across the country but also in the US, Canada, Asia, Europe's Portugal, Spain, Sweden, France and reaching even Antarctica.
The theme of this year's charity event, involving some 120,000 volunteers, is "Children's safety and health," with donations set to go purchase medical equipment for pediatric oncology and hematology. Donors are rewarded with the popular WOSP red heart emblem to wear on their outer clothing as a sign of support for the organisation.
In previous years, the charity had dedicated several finales for the same purpose, securing over PLN 107 million (EUR 25 million) for the same needs.
The fundraising is accompanied by a large number of events, including concerts, sports competitions, internet auctions, and outdoor performances.
During 32 Finals, WOSP raised nearly PLN 2.3 billion (EUR 545 mln) and purchased around 74,500 medical devices.
The Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity, founded in 1993 by Jerzy Owsiak and others, is Poland's largest non-governmental, non-profit charity organization. It raises funds primarily for pediatric and elderly care. (PAP)
mmr/at
