Christmas Charity Orchestra finale a success

Initial figures reveal that annual fundraising bonanza the Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity (WOSP) could trounce last year’s takings following Sunday’s grand finale.

Figures released by the foundation early on Monday morning indicate that the fundraiser has raised PLN 36 228 912 so far.

Last year, the initial figure after the finale was PLN 35.5 million, but this rose by PLN 17 million as online auctions continued to garner funds.

The final sum for the 23rd edition will be confirmed by impresario and charity chief Jerzy Owsiak in March.

About 120,000 volunteers took to the streets of cities and towns across Poland on Sunday to raise money for pediatric care as well as aid for the elderly.

As usual, donors were given the charity’s trademark heart-shaped stickers. Concerts were staged in countless localities, followed by fireworks, adding a dash of razzmatazz to the day.
As tradition dictates, tired staff in the charity’s Warsaw studio rounded off the finale with a late dinner of ice cream and cake.

This year’s fundraising focuses on pediatric oncology, cardiology and rheumatology, as well as improved care for the elderly.