The 2018 edition of the Grand Finale charitable collection has surpassed even the wildest expectations of the supporters of the Foundation's initiative.
There were 120 000 volunteers involved in the fundraising drive in thousands of locations globally. The day of the Grand Finale was a great example of civil society and a proof that a grass-roots initiative has a lasting power to transform the way that the world looks.
The amount raised at the Grand Finale is made out of different sums: public charitable collection (71 177 112,70 PLN), other donations – including but not limited to online donations (54 543 011, 44 PLN) and medical equipment donated in aid of charity (653 680, 20 PLN).
The money raised at the 26th Grand Finale collection will go towards the purchase of equipment for neonatological wards at public hospitals in Poland. We aim to purchase, among many other devices: incubators, non-invasive ventilation systems, infusion pumps and diagnostic equipment: ultrasonography scanners and pulse oximeters.
We could not believe our eyes when we checked our bank balance! It was obvious from day one – the day of the fundraiser – that together with all our friends in Poland and abroad we have set another record in solidarity, togetherness and we surprised the world yet again! What happened on that day is a lesson in civil society. It warms our hearts and it gives so much faith in the sensitivity and sensibility of Poles. No-one expected this result! People, you are the best, we love you! Thank you for your trust. We bow down to you for your generosity, and we promise, like we always do, to spend the money wisely in order to help save lives of children in Polish hospitals!
Jurek Owsiak, founder and chairman of the charity
The chairman of the board of the Foundation announced the result on March the 8th.
photo credit: Ł. Widziszowski
