Poland's annual charity bash to raise money for children and elderly

Leader of the 'orchestra', Jerzy Owsiak: photo - PAP/Tomasz Gzell

The charity action, which includes a day-long media marathon, celebrity auctions and mostly young volunteers out on the streets and shopping malls of Poland rattling collection tins, is now in its 21st year, and is being led, as usual, by leader of the 'orchestra', Jerzy Owsiak.

In its first year of operation in 1993, the orchestra collected the equivalent of over a million dollars for paediatric heart surgery.

Last year the charity collected over 15 million dollars throughout the year, with most of the money raised during the annual 'Grand Finale' which takes place in the middle of January.

This year, funds raised will also be given over to creating better geriatric care in Poland.

Professor Peter Błędowski from Warsaw's School of Economics (SGH) has told Polish Radio that the charity action is not only a chance to raise money for better equipment in care facilities, but also to draw the attention of potential volunteers.

“I think that this action could open the eyes of many people who want to do something for others,” Professor Błędowski said.

Money can be given to the charity at their web site here. (pg)