Annual fund-raising bonanza raises nearly 10 million euros

Charity organiser Jerzy Owsiak: photo - PAP/Tomasz Gzell

The finale saw some 120,000 volunteers take part, with a variety of shows and concerts being staged in cities and towns across the country.

Following established tradition, emblems of the foundation in the form of heart-shaped stickers were handed out to donors by volunteers.

This year's finale marked the first time that the event has raised money for the elderly as well as children.

Funds will be distributed equally, with half going towards medical equipment for babies and infants, and the other half towards improving conditions in hospitals for the elderly.

Organiser Jerzy Owsiak aims to purchase wheelchairs, adjustable beds, mattresses, and ultrasound equipment among other items for the elderly.

A small number of negative incidents occurred, typically involving thieves' attempts to snatch collection cans off volunteers. All in all there were 25 incidents.

“Taking into account the fact that thousands of people were involved in collecting money, these were isolated incidents,” police spokesman Inspector Mariusz Sokolowski told Polish Radio.

Online auctions will continue for several more weeks, with the final sum raised due to be announced on 1 March. Last year, the overall sum raised was 50.6 million zloty (12.2 million euro). (nh)