Annual charity fund raiser collects over 8 million euro for health care

A firework show on Sunday evening at the Palace of Culture and Science in Warsaw, organised by WOSP. Photo: PAP/Tomasz Gzell

Although donations can continue until the beginning of March, by Monday morning over 35.4 million zloty (8.5 million euros) had been raised.

“Even if we were to have just this money on WOSP's bank account, we'll still be able to do a great deal,” organiser Jerzy Owsiak commented.

About 120,000 volunteers took to the streets in Poland and abroad to collect money for WOSP, handing out the charity's distinctive heart-shaped red stickers.

Polish media outlets gave broad coverage to the event on Sunday, with concerts taking place nationwide, celebrity auctions with a firework display in Warsaw ending the fund raiser last night.

The army was among the many participants, offering bidders the opportunity to take part in parachute jumps and specially organised training manoeuvres.

Celebrities and politicians, including Prime Minister Donald Tusk, donated items that could be sold off.

This year, the main goals were to raise money for equipment on emergency wards for children, as well as to continue last year's bid to create better geriatric care in Poland.

Donors can contribute via the charity's web site. (nh/pg)

Source: IAR/PAP