Poland’s Grand Orchestra of Christmas Charity Hits New Milestone, Eyes Higher Total

Poland’s Grand Orchestra of Christmas Charity (WOŚP) surpassed the $25 million mark shortly after its iconic “Light to the Sky” show, with the final total anticipated to rise significantly as donations continue to pour in.

During the event in Warsaw, Jurek Owsiak, the charity’s leader, addressed a vibrant crowd gathered near the National Stadium. He described the moment as one that brought people together, just before the night sky was illuminated by a spectacular display of fireworks and lasers, set to a high-energy rock performance.

The charity’s final tally will include cash collected by over 120,000 volunteers wielding signature donation cans across Poland and 23 other countries, as well as proceeds from online auctions. Last year, after all donations were counted, the charity reached a record-breaking $70 million. The 33rd edition of WOŚP, Poland’s largest charitable event, officially concludes at midnight on Sunday.

The funds raised this year will support pediatric oncology and hematology in Poland, with plans to equip 18 pediatric wards, 17 hospices, five oncological neurosurgery centers, six oncological surgery centers, and four pathology laboratories. The charity will purchase cutting-edge equipment, including robotic systems for oncological surgery, MRI machines, devices for magnetic brain mapping, laparoscopic sets, and more. Hospices will receive oxygen concentrators and anti-bedsore mattresses, among other essential items.

Poles continue to embrace WOŚP with creativity and enthusiasm, engaging in unique fundraising efforts. Andrzej Bargiel, a renowned mountaineer, climbed the nearly 2,000-meter Kasprowy Wierch mountain to create the country’s highest donation collection point. Actor Maciej Musiał auctioned the chance to clean his apartment while dancing to a looped techno anthem, and billionaire Rafał Brzoska offered a round of golf with himself and his partner, Omena Mensah.

Sports-related auction items also drew significant attention. Robert Lewandowski, Poland’s superstar footballer, contributed tickets to an FC Barcelona match, while tennis sensation Iga Świątek auctioned her racket alongside tickets to the French Open—one of the most coveted items in the charity’s history. Other contributions included schnitzels, concert tuxedos, and even romantic dinners, all for a worthy cause.

Since its inception, WOŚP has been a symbol of generosity and unity in Poland, with its iconic red heart-shaped sticker serving as a badge of participation. Thanks to the funds raised this year, the charity will enable faster, more effective treatment for the approximately 1,200 children diagnosed with cancer annually in Poland and the 3,000 undergoing intensive treatment.

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