To the world's ends and beyond!
The Space Research Centre of the Polish Academy of Sciences jumped on board with the 32nd Grand Finale of the Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity by tossing into the mix the chance to sling your name into the cosmos – well, sort of. They offered up the opportunity to win an engraving on the shell of a photometer set to kick it 1.5 million kilometres from our little blue marble. The winner of the auction was Paweł Orepuk, bidding PLN 10,099.
Ophthalmologists and Ophthalmology Day in the GOCC Foundation
On 9th May, we celebrate Ophthalmologists and Ophthalmology Day, a holiday that is particularly significant for our Foundation. Since 2001, our Programme for the Prevention and Treatment of Retinopathy of Prematurity has been safeguarding the eyesight of our little heroes!
Cultural exchange in check!
Last weekend we managed to complete a project that we have been working on together with the Polish community living in Scotland for several years. The GOCC Foundation has its own tartan! On Sunday, during a special visit to Scotland, Jerzy Owsiak received a brand new kilt.
The CPR training in Szadowo-Młyn is behind us!
Last week, a training course for candidates certified by the American Heart Association (AHA) and applying to become GOCC instructors took place at the Szadowo-Młyn GOCC Training Centre as part of the "CPR for Schools" educational program.
Happy Easter 2024!
We wish you lots of strength, faith, and hope to day by day create a world of kindness, friendship, and mutual respect! May we all live in peace and love!
Fresh News
To the world's ends and beyond!
The Space Research Centre of the Polish Academy of Sciences jumped on board with the 32nd Grand Finale of the Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity by tossing into the mix the chance to sling your name into the cosmos – well, sort of. They offered up the opportunity to win an engraving on the shell of a photometer set to kick it 1.5 million kilometres from our little blue marble. The winner of the auction was Paweł Orepuk, bidding PLN 10,099.
Ophthalmologists and Ophthalmology Day in the GOCC Foundation
On 9th May, we celebrate Ophthalmologists and Ophthalmology Day, a holiday that is particularly significant for our Foundation. Since 2001, our Programme for the Prevention and Treatment of Retinopathy of Prematurity has been safeguarding the eyesight of our little heroes!
Cultural exchange in check!
Last weekend we managed to complete a project that we have been working on together with the Polish community living in Scotland for several years. The GOCC Foundation has its own tartan! On Sunday, during a special visit to Scotland, Jerzy Owsiak received a brand new kilt.
The CPR training in Szadowo-Młyn is behind us!
Last week, a training course for candidates certified by the American Heart Association (AHA) and applying to become GOCC instructors took place at the Szadowo-Młyn GOCC Training Centre as part of the "CPR for Schools" educational program.
Happy Easter 2024!
We wish you lots of strength, faith, and hope to day by day create a world of kindness, friendship, and mutual respect! May we all live in peace and love!
Bielany is all in tune!
Almost 350m2 of the GOCC mural adorns the Bielany district! Designed by Jerzy Owsiak, the street wall art decorates the building at Marymoncka 155 in Warsaw.
We know the final result of the 32nd Grand Finale fundraiser!
It's high time we learned the final result of this year's collection - our Summer Blaze in January! Jurek Owsiak has just announced the final total of the 32nd Grand Finale fundraiser.
Join us on March, 27!
On March, 27, the GOCC Foundation will reveal the final result of the 32nd Grand Finale fundraiser! The aim of the collection is to procure medical equipment for all 64 respiratory units nationwide.
CPR for Schools training resumed!
We have been conducting the educational program CPR for Schools (RUR) since 2006. Over these 18 years, nearly 3 million children have learned basic life-saving skills through the activities of the RUR Programme. We are relaunching the training for teachers and inviting schools from all over Poland to apply!
The declared result of the fundraiser is in!
The declared amount at the end of the 32nd Grand Finale day was PLN 175,426,813. Today, we have achieved the expected result in our fundraiser's account. However, it is not over yet. We continue to tally the funds. The final result will be revealed on 27 March!
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!
The Valentine’s Day mood got us all. Looking at our Orchestra's red heart today, we think particularly warmly about all our volunteers and supporters! Thanks to you, we have been "playing" for the past 30 years
Breaking the record of our hearts
The emotions after the 32nd Grand Finale are slowly going down. Jurek Owsiak summarized the latest edition of the Summer Blaze in January during a press conference held at the GOCC Foundation, as is tradition.
We played together again!
The Great Orchestra played its 32nd Grand Finale! It was an exceptional day. And the declared amount of funds raised during this year's collection exceeded our expectations!
Sending Light to the Sky!
The Light to the Sky of this year dazzled with a contemporary and breathtaking display! The tradition lives on in a brand new form, as people from Poland and beyond come together to symbolically channel positive energy and wishes for hope to the good angels.
To the world's ends and one step beyond!
Together with the GOCC to the world's ends and one step beyond! The Collection Centers all over the world play during the 32nd Grand Finale of the Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity with us! This year, as many as 100 foreign Collection Centers in 23 countries are organizing the 32nd GOCC Grand Finale outside Poland!
An orange crowd of runners hit the streets of Warsaw
For the eighteenth time, Jurek Owsiak, this time from the final stage on the PGE Narodowy meadows in Warsaw, opened the joyful run under the same slogan "Get Even with Diabetes". Crowds of running enthusiasts, after a five-kilometre route through the streets of Warsaw, will reach the finish line located in the same place.
Don't Miss
Ophthalmologists and Ophthalmology Day in the GOCC Foundation
On 9th May, we celebrate Ophthalmologists and Ophthalmology Day, a holiday that is particularly significant for our Foundation. Since 2001, our Programme for the Prevention and Treatment of Retinopathy of Prematurity has been safeguarding the eyesight of our little heroes!
Bielany is all in tune!
Almost 350m2 of the GOCC mural adorns the Bielany district! Designed by Jerzy Owsiak, the street wall art decorates the building at Marymoncka 155 in Warsaw.
We know the final result of the 32nd Grand Finale fundraiser!
It's high time we learned the final result of this year's collection - our Summer Blaze in January! Jurek Owsiak has just announced the final total of the 32nd Grand Finale fundraiser.
Join us on March, 27!
On March, 27, the GOCC Foundation will reveal the final result of the 32nd Grand Finale fundraiser! The aim of the collection is to procure medical equipment for all 64 respiratory units nationwide.
How can my company support the Grand Finale?
The 1,685 Collection Centres in Poland and abroad are in the final lap of the preparations for the Grand Finale events. It's your last chance to participate in the initiative! See how your company can support the 32nd Grand Finale fundraiser!
Get ready for the Friday wrap-up!
Traditionally, on Fridays just before the Grand Finale fundraiser, the GOCC Foundation hosts a press conference to sum up the preparations for the annual collection. Jurek Owsiak will present all our initiatives, actions, and activities as we prepare to celebrate another edition of the joyous celebration of kindness!
The 32nd Grand Finale is just a week away!
Here is the most important information about the 32nd Grand Finale of the Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity. We are all in tune!
The GOCC: At World's Ends!
The merry tunes of the Great Orchestra reach the world's ends! Our melody of solidarity and friendship will once again play across the globe thanks to our amazing volunteers. What are the colours of the wind coming from both the poles?
They complete the Grand Finale concert's line-up
The January Grand Finale concert will take place in a new location at PGE Nardowy meadows in Warsaw on 28 January 2024. We are proud to present next stars of our music celebration. Here are the five bands to crown this year's line-up!
First million in aid of the 32nd Grand Finale!
41 days before the 32nd Grand Finale and our annual collection is already peaking! PLN 1,108,427 has already powered our fundraiser held in aid of respiratory units across Poland!
PLN 14 million for children's ophthalmology
On 5 December, we organized the 68th Open Tender dedicated to the aim of the 30th Grand Finale of the Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity, i.e. paediatric ophthalmology.
More artists join the Grand Finale concert!
The 32nd Grand Finale concert will start playing in less than 60 days! Jurek Owsiak revealed the latest additions to the lineup for the event taking place on January 28, 2024 at PGE Narodowy meadows!
1685 Collection Centres ready to act!
The registration of Collection Centres, i.e. hubs of volunteers organizing the Grand Finale events for their local community, is now over. Collection Centres will be actively participating in the 32nd Grand Finale fundraiser across Poland and in 101 locations around the world!
These are the 32nd Grand Finale Collection Boxes!
Less than 60 days before the 32nd Grand Finale fundraiser, the Collection Boxes were presented during a press conference. Just this year, there were 226,000 boxes produced.
Who will play the 32nd Grand Finale?
Jurek Owsiak has just announced the first stars to play the 32nd Grand Finale concert in Warsaw. The annual event organised by the Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity will be held on 28 January 2024 at the PGE Narodowy meadows
Honorary degree for Lidia Niedźwiedzka-Owsiak
Lidia Niedźwiedzka-Owsiak, who is the director of the medical division of the GOCC Foundation, was awarded an Honoris Causa at the Poznań University of Medical Sciences. This recognition was given in appreciation of her commitment to upholding the highest standards in healthcare.
Medical
Ophthalmologists and Ophthalmology Day in the GOCC Foundation
On 9th May, we celebrate Ophthalmologists and Ophthalmology Day, a holiday that is particularly significant for our Foundation. Since 2001, our Programme for the Prevention and Treatment of Retinopathy of Prematurity has been safeguarding the eyesight of our little heroes!
The CPR training in Szadowo-Młyn is behind us!
Last week, a training course for candidates certified by the American Heart Association (AHA) and applying to become GOCC instructors took place at the Szadowo-Młyn GOCC Training Centre as part of the "CPR for Schools" educational program.
Ophthalmic Simulation Laboratory opened!
Five days before the 32nd Grand Finale of the Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity, we visited the 'Pomnik - Centrum Zdrowia Dziecka' (Children's Memorial Health Institute) to ceremoniously inaugurate the first Ophthalmic Simulation Laboratory in Europe dedicated exclusively to the field of peadiatric ophthalmology.
PLN 14 million for children's ophthalmology
On 5 December, we organized the 68th Open Tender dedicated to the aim of the 30th Grand Finale of the Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity, i.e. paediatric ophthalmology.
Honorary degree for Lidia Niedźwiedzka-Owsiak
Lidia Niedźwiedzka-Owsiak, who is the director of the medical division of the GOCC Foundation, was awarded an Honoris Causa at the Poznań University of Medical Sciences. This recognition was given in appreciation of her commitment to upholding the highest standards in healthcare.
Winning the uneven fight against sepsis
The fight against sepsis was the main aim of the 31st Grand Finale fundraiser which ended with over PLN 243 million raised. In less than a year, we have organized two Open Tenders to purchase medical equipment for microbiological laboratories across the country.
Post-pandemic lungs - the aim of the 32nd Grand Finale
96 days before the 32nd Grand Finale, during the 67th Open Tender, we have revealed the aim of the upcoming winter fundraiser. This time, the GOCC Foundation will focus on the post-pandemic lung diseases - the raised funds will be used to purchase equipment for children's and adults' respiratory units.
Equipment for the fight against sepsis
The GOCC Foundation has just completed the three-day-long 66th Open Tender held to buy medical equipment for the fight against sepsis. The Foundation spent a record-breaking amount of PLN 168 million!
Today we celebrate the Ophthalmology Day
On 9 May in Poland, we celebrate the Ophthalmologists and Ophthalmology Day – a very special date for the GOCC Foundation. Since 2001 we have run the Prevention of Retinopathy of Prematurity Programme!
World Health Day 2023!
Today, 7 April, we celebrate the World Health Day! A matter of top priority to our GOCC Foundation. For over 30 years, we have been acting to support the public healthcare system - we purchase medical equipment for hospitals and run nationwide medical programmes. And we strongly encourage you to look after your health every day!
More equipment for children's eye medicine purchased
On 4 April 2023, the GOCC Foundation held the first Open Tender this year. This time, the equipment was purchased i.a. to support the children's eye medicine. Devices for nearly PLN 17,058,238.40 will be delivered to 75 facilities in 56 cities.
Our 30th anniversary!
We are celebrating the 30th anniversary of registering our Foundation. Can you believe it? The Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity Foundation was registered exactly on 2 March 1993.
It's been 30 years since the 1st Grand Finale of the Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity!
Three decades went by in a flash! Although it’s 30 years since the first Grand Finale of the Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity, we still remember how a spontaneous charity action turned into a fantastic worldwide initiative!
We purchased 95 devices to support the respiratory system of newborns
Research shows that prematurely born babies struggle to breathe, so non-invasive methods of support, which are safe to use on vulnerable babies, are vital in providing care and treatment.
Neonatal Intensive Care Unitin Poznan named after the GOCC Foundation
The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit II at the Gynaecological and Obstetric Hospital of the Medical University of Poznań is as of today named after the Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity!
100 patients tested with PET-CT scanner
We are so very proud! The most expensive machine in the history of the GOCC, the first PET-CT scanner in Poland for children, allowed for screening of 100 patients so far.
Regional
Cultural exchange in check!
Last weekend we managed to complete a project that we have been working on together with the Polish community living in Scotland for several years. The GOCC Foundation has its own tartan! On Sunday, during a special visit to Scotland, Jerzy Owsiak received a brand new kilt.
Bielany is all in tune!
Almost 350m2 of the GOCC mural adorns the Bielany district! Designed by Jerzy Owsiak, the street wall art decorates the building at Marymoncka 155 in Warsaw.
31st Grand Finale of the GOCC in numbers - a little about our volunteers
Over 120 thousand volunteers, divided among 1,653 Collection Centres, are involved in this year’s Grand Finale. Learn about the unique hubs in Poland and abroad!
Żurkowski join us at Plac Bankowy during the 31st GOCC Grand Finale
The new star of the Grand Finale concert revealed! During his radio programme on Antyradio – “Zaraz Będzie Ciemno” [En. “It’s about to get dark”], Jurek Owsiak announced that Żurkowski will join the lineup of the Grand Finale music show.
Dziwna Wiosna will warm us up during the 31st Grand Finale
Dirty riffs, positive energy and lively music – Dziwna Wiosna joins the line-up for the 31st Grand Finale of the GOCC Foundation in Warsaw.
Blenders for the 31st Grand Finale in Warsaw
It sounds like fun! Jurek Owsiak in his weekly radio programme on Antyradio announced that Blenders will show up to play their concert during the 31st Grand Finale!
Kashell will perform at the 31st Grand Finale in Warsaw
In his weekly radio programme “Zaraz Będzie Ciemno” [Eng. “It’s about to get dark”] aired on Antyradio, Jurek Owsiak announced another band who will play during the Grand Finale concert at the Plac Bankowy (the Bank Square) – Kashell!
Feel the heart beating in Łódź
Today, at 16:00 Jurek Owsiak took part in a grand opening of a 3.5-meter high mirror sculpture of a heart in Łódź, in the square recently named after the Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity Foundation.
We'll Keep Playing for Charity!
Since the launch of the registration process, over 900 Collection Centres - regional hubs for the fundraising activity - applied to hold their local editions of the Grand Finale fundraiser.
GOCC Roundabout in Warsaw
You can take a spin on the brand-new roundabout which has been officially named after our charity. We're very honoured and pleased to be such a part of the fabric of the daily lives of citizens of Warsaw.
Two Locations in Kołobrzeg Named After our Charity
Jurek Owsiak travelled to Kołobrzeg to unveil two new location commemorating of the Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity Foundation - one a brand new roundabout and the second one - a whimsical statue of a seagull representing a volunteer.
New Roundabout in Gorzów Wielkopolski
A brand new roundabout in Gorzów Wielkopolski has been officially named after our charity. We are delighted, especially because the town is located in the vicinity of Kostrzyn nad Odrą, where we host our festival.
The Most Touching Moments of the 28th Grand Finale
Grand Finale is the biggest public charitable collection - it is a very special day when nothing is impossible. It's a day made out of hundreds of thousands of beautiful stories - here are 5 touching moments we found!
GOCC Going Global
Our initiative travels the world! We are "playing" on all continents, wherever there is a vibrant, energetic Polish community abroad. We are very proud of our friends who decide to play with our Orchestra in the most remote corners of the world.
Equipment for over PLN 10 000 000 for Hospital in Poznań
Another state-of-the-art CT suite opened at the teaching hospital in Poznań. CT scanner worth over PLN 7 000 000 is the most advanced device available on the market and one of the three currently serving in European hospitals.
Grand Finale Concert in Warsaw
We are always faithful to our rock'n'roll roots, so to celebrate our move to entirely different locations with a stellar line-up at our traditional music extravaganza!
