Great Orchestra Raises 37 Million Zloty
Since it first began in 1992, the Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity has grown into what is, by far, Poland’s biggest single charity event. Characterized by the red heart stickers handed out to contributors (and worn on clothes similarly to red poppies on Remembrance Day in commonwealth countries), the charity event raises money for children suffering from kidney disease.
Cities across Poland organized public concerts on the finale (9 January) and many individuals also organized fund-raising events such as marathons or concerts. Celebrities also donated to auctions which contributed to the final sum raised of 37 million zloty, or nearly 10 million euro.
In Warsaw, a large outdoor concert took place under the Palace of Culture and Science, and finished off with a fireworks display in the evening.