The initiative, supported by Polish diplomats, aims to extend its charitable reach far beyond its home country.
The GOCC is not just a domestic phenomenon, its activities stretch across the globe. In the UK, the organization has established a remarkable 32 headquarters, where auctions and fundraisers are planned, including bidding for the Orchestra's coveted gold hearts.
Germany will host 15 GOCC events, featuring concerts and street collections, starting with a pre-finale evening in Berlin. Canada marks its 21st year of participation with volunteers across several provinces, involving Polish diplomatic missions in fundraising activities.
Sweden will see events in Stockholm and Malmoe, with a variety of cultural performances and children's activities, while Belgium will witness street collections and hotel auctions in Brussels.
In Prague, the GOCC will engage the community with its unique "Take a pierogi, throw a coin" campaign, offering Polish culinary delights for donations. Spain's participation spans several cities, with a diverse range of activities planned, including auctions, concerts, and workshops.
Paris will host the Polish band Happysad and the seventh annual GOCC Paris Run, along with auctions and a folk dance show. Meanwhile, the Orchestra's impact will be felt even in the far-flung locations of the South Pole, at the Henryk Arctowski Polish Antarctic Station, and near the North Pole, at the Stanisław Siedlecki Polish Hornsund Polar Station.
The Indonesian island of Bali and Bangkok, Thailand, will also join in with their unique contributions, offering concerts, games, and pool activities. In Melbourne, Australia, the GOCC will feature Polish concerts and auctions, including memorabilia from tennis star Hubert Hurkacz.
Tokyo will host its eighth GOCC event, promising an array of music, local delicacies, and auctions, including an exclusive meal with the Polish Ambassador to Japan.
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. The GOCC has gained recognition for supporting healthcare in Poland by purchasing advanced medical equipment for hospitals and clinics and running several medical and educational programs. It's known for its annual public fundraiser, the Grand Finale, which involves concerts, sporting competitions, and various events both in Poland and globally.
The record amount of money raised by the GOCC during a single Grand Finale was PLN 243,259,387.25. This remarkable achievement was accomplished in the 2023 Grand Finale, setting a new record for the organization's fundraising efforts.
In an interview with Michał Owczarek, Prof. Bohdan Maruszewski, a pediatric cardiac surgeon and co-founder of the Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity gives the highlights of this year’s Grand Finale.
Click on the audio player above to listen.
Source: PAP, WOŚP