The Grand Orchestra of Christmas Charity Finale at Dolans Warehouse

By Justyna Cwojdzinska

This Saturday, January 10th 2015 the Grand Finale of The Grand Orchestra of Christmas Charity will be held at Dolans Warehouse, Dock Road, Limerick.
This is one of the biggest non-profit charity organizations in Poland. It was founded in 1993 in Poland by Jerzy Owsiak and his friends.
The Grand Finale takes place on the first or second Sunday of the year. Sponsored by many Polish and worldwide companies, it is a one-day long nationwide money-raising event.
Volunteers from all around Poland go out on the streets and collect money in special cans which are labelled with a red heart and text: “Wielka Orkiestra Świątecznej Pomocy” (The Grand Orchestra of Christmas Charity).
They also have identification cards, thanks to which anyone can report suspicious-looking people collecting money to the police. Everyone who gives the volunteers any amount of money gets a red heart sticker in return. During this charitable day huge parties are thrown around the country and never ending concerts take place with many stars performing for this great cause.
The whole final is organized solely by volunteers. Throughout twenty two Grand Finales, the Foundation has collected over $100 million for cardio-surgery, neonatology, paediatric, kidney diseases, congenital defects, new born babies and children under 5 years of age.
This year`s final is dedicated to maintaining the highest standards in the treatment for children on paediatric and oncology wards, as well as providing decent healthcare for the elderly.
The event will begin with a parade of motorcycles. Come and meet the Star Wars characters or Gandalf the White. There will also be a barbecue, a lot of delicious cakes, raffles, games and activities for children and live music.
The event starts at 3 pm and everyone is very welcome to attend. Come and enjoy yourself and bring plenty of change for this extremely well-worthy cause!
You can read more about the Polish Community in Limerick here!