The 29th edition of our charitable collection took place in entirely different. Circumstances, with pandemic restrictions in full force in Poland and across the world, but one thing remained unchanged - the atmosphere of celebration, feeling of hope, and community spirit bringing people from different walks together. The common goal is to show support to the most vulnerable patients at paediatric hospitals and build a strong, responsible society that works to care for each other.
We want to cast our thoughts back to some of the most touching stories, which emerged as the Grand Finale day unfolded.
We traditionally welcome guests at our studio. We want to make our show as vibrant and inclusive as possible - we invite celebrities, activists, influencers, and people whose spirit, work, and commitment to their goal captured our attention. This year, we welcomed the crew of hit TV show Down The Road. You can participate in their charity auction and win a chance to spend the day with the crew and their driver, Przemek Kossakowski.
One of the most beautiful elements of our fundraiser is its educational factor. It's a great opportunity to teach young people that taking time to volunteer and help can be fun, enriching activity. Each year we see that many very young kids take part in our fundraiser - as a part of the initiative of their teachers, schools, parents or - completely at their own volition. It's wonderful to see young people engaged in voluntary service!
Grand Finale is made by the people who take part in the fundraising initiative, and our collection is a beautiful medley of individual stories of social engagement, strength, and creativity. You could run your very own digital collection, and 120 000 eCollection Boxes each told an individual story of your commitment. Some of the stories of individual desire to help out were told by our oldest volunteer, the nonagenarian Anna, who moved to the UK and became an Instagram influencer. Another great story was told by Paweł, who toured Poland by bike, while still raising funds in aid of our charity.
We are exactly as strong as the support of our friends is. We would like to take this opportunity to let you know that we see your messages of support, we see your greetings and we know that we feel your support. Thank you and let's keep on rolling!
We took a chance to ask you what you associate with our activity. What qualities and what values stand out to you? It seems that the overwhelming majority of the associations are positive, referring to emotions closely linked to that of love, friendship, and companionship.
We traditionally light up the sky with a beautiful fireworks display, but in recent years we began looking for a solution, which would not cause much noise pollution for the sake of people with hearing sensitivities and well as free-living birds, animals and home pets. The subdued display did not fail to impress nonetheless.
When we bid each-other goodbye at midnight, we announced that the preliminary result of the collection - PLN 127 495 626. The Grand Finale result will be recounted and verified by our banking partners.
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!
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
As you already know, we play with everyone and for everyone. What is more, in Warsaw we play in a totally new location! For the first time ever the heart of the Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity will be beating at the PGE Narodowy meadows.
