Warsaw, Poland, the world! The enthusiasm which exploded in our country in 1993 has reached the most distant corners of the world in a flash. Already during the very first Grand Finale, we were present across the ocean! And so the Polish community of New York and Chicago have been playing with us ever since. Soon, Polish communities from all around the world have followed in their steps, inviting their international friends to join and open their hearts. Each year, by doing your best to let our colourful Orchestra grow bigger and bigger, you make it truly Great!
Again, it was no one else, but you, who composed this international joyous band. Just after the 1st winter fundraiser in Poland was over, our community in the USA held a concert in Cricket Club in aid of children with congenital heart diseases. The video materials summarizing the event were aired in Poland during the 2nd Grand Finale, and the 3rd Grand Finale was transmitted abroad by TVP Polonia.
Some stories prove that our volunteers, who begun their adventure with the GOCC Foundation during its first Grand Finales in the country, have taken their experience to the next level, spreading the idea of “helping with joy” in different parts of the world. Roman – currently a co-organizer of the local Collection Centre in Zurich – is one of such exceptional volunteers. Back in 1994, Roman was proudly strolling through the streets of his family town, Kalisz, rasing funds to a DIY “collection box”. Take a look at that photograph!
Let's also remember that our international community has not only actively participated in the organization of the Grand Finales, but also eagerly engaged in other actions throughout the year. Our Collection Centres would always involve in providing humanitarian initiatives, or in empowering their international friends. They would also organize the get-together with other international Collection Centres. We are proud of you and the community you have built every day.
We always say that during the Grand Finales, on a cold winter day, it is the fire in our hearts and joy from helping which keep us warm. As it turns out, some of you nurture a truly giant flame inside which serves as a real icebreaker, regardless of the weather conditions. Thousands of kilometres north works our incredible Collection Centre – Polish Polar Station Hornsund. We literally melted after we saw these beautiful “postcard”!
In a fairly less challenging climate, there are our European Collection Centres organizing a ton of attractions and activities to promote our beautiful initiative. Dublin invites you to the 31st Grand Finale held in two fairy-like Irish castles for travel in time. We will get the chance to take part in a medieval market. Just take a look at this serene scenery!
The GOCC Collection Center Rijswijk & Den Haag offers a free walking tour around The Hague with a professional tour guide. Everyone is welcome! Are you planning on visiting the Netherlands? Fancy a stroll along the charming streets of this wonderful city? Interested in discovering a new perspective? Mark the date! The next walking tour is scheduled for January 27!
Madrid invites you to an event at Galileo Culture Centre. Get ready to swing to the live music, thrifting, and admiring many artistic performances! Granada, Alicante, Segovia, and Tenerife join Madrid in the celebrations!
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Among our volunteers there is also Slaven from Croatia who is actively engaged in organization of the January fundraiser. The Great Orchestra will play in Rijeka, Split, Zadar, and Zagreb. You will get the chance to meet Polish culture, taste the cuisine and listen to Polish music there.
Likewise, our compatriots in the US pour their emotions and feelings into the preparations for the Grand Finale. Volunteers from Detroit, Austin, Dallas, and Houston keep us posted and share their latest initiatives and plans. Indeed, an open-air family picnic packed with special activities, meetings with pupils at Polish schools, 5k race, to name just a few, are the key events organised in the spirit of this year's motto “Stay healthy in a healthy world”, and attract large numbers of the GOCC enthusiasts.
That's all too good to be true, you say? Well, if there's anything that can make you believe in the beauty of our initiative, it will be a phenomenal video postcard from Bali! Oh, just have a look at that world beaming with colours!
Let's do some good!
You are going to be really having it! There is no end to all the unbelievable events and attractions on which our brave Volunteers are working. However, we strongly encourage you to visit our website where we listed all the events organised by the GOCC Collection Centres around the world as well as to check out the social media platforms of our local hubs! They are full of gems in the form of pictures, reels, and videos!
This year, there are as many as 87 international Collection Centres from 25 different countries registered and actively involved in the fundraiser. There are 2,206 volunteers abroad, and 1,802 locations (shops, cafes, restaurants) where our Stationary Collection Boxes are set up. Yes, you better believe it! We play in:
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We see you! We see your hard work and devotion. Let's remember that the world is our place. Let's make sure it's getting more and more beautiful, every day.
31st Grand Finale. We fight with sepsis – for the little and the big ones!
To purchase the medical equipment for early diagnosis of the bacterial infection that causes sepsis – this is the main objective of the upcoming 31st Grand Finale. For the first time in the history of the Orchestra, the Foundation will purchase medical equipment for all patients in need, regardless of age. The traditional public fundraiser will be held in the streets on 29 January 2023, but the online fundraisers and numerous events organized by the Collection Centres will be launched already in December.
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!
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.
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!
