Beata Bruggeman-Sekowska
The Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity (WOŚP) is one of the largest non-governmental, non-profit charity organizations in Poland. Founded in 1993 by Jurek Owsiak, the organization has grown into a symbol of community and generosity, with millions of people across Poland and abroad participating in its annual fundraising events.
The WOŚP Grand Finale, held on a Sunday in January each year, is a nationwide initiative featuring concerts, performances, and various events aimed at raising funds. This year marks the 33rd edition, with money being raised to support pediatric oncology and hematology.
A Short History of WOŚP
WOŚP was initiated in 1993 by Jurek Owsiak, a charismatic Polish journalist and social activist. Inspired by his radio audience’s eagerness to help children with congenital heart defects, Owsiak organized the first Grand Finale with the motto “Help us help others.” The event raised enough funds to purchase cutting-edge heart surgery equipment for pediatric hospitals.
Since then, WOŚP has expanded its mission to address various medical needs, such as neonatal care, oncology, and emergency medicine. To date, the organization has raised over 2 billion PLN, significantly improving Poland’s healthcare system by providing state-of-the-art equipment to hospitals across the country.
WOŚP’s efforts extend internationally, with over 1,700 Polish and international communities forming local chapters or “sztabs” to contribute to the cause.
About Jurek Owsiak
Jurek Owsiak, the driving force behind WOŚP, is known for his boundless energy and commitment to helping others. A former radio host, Owsiak became a beloved public figure thanks to his ability to unite people around a common goal: improving the healthcare system in Poland.
In addition to his work with WOŚP, Owsiak is also the founder of Pol’and’Rock Festival (formerly Woodstock Festival Poland), an annual music festival held as a “thank you” to the volunteers and supporters of WOŚP. The festival, one of Europe’s largest free music events, embodies the same spirit of solidarity and joy that drives WOŚP.
WOŚP in the Netherlands
The spirit of WOŚP has reached the Netherlands, where several cities will host local events on January 26 to support this noble cause. Below are the cities and their respective WOŚP chapters (sztabs):
WOŚP Sztab Breda Roosendaal https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088376376541
Sztab WOŚP Helmond/Eindhoven https://www.facebook.com/wospeindhoven
WOŚP Horst – Holandia https://www.facebook.com/wosphorstnl
WOŚP Sztab Tilburg https://www.facebook.com/wosp.sztab.tilburg
Sztab WOŚP Den Haag https://www.facebook.com/SztabDenHaag
WOŚP Amsterdam https://www.facebook.com/WospAmsterdam/?locale=nl_NL
This year, the WOŚP Kerkrade https://www.facebook.com/wospkerkrade organization supports the organization from Helmond/Eindhoven and it has organized a polar plunge event and auctions to raise money for the cause.
Last year edition from Kerkrade, Netherlands.
Join the Movement
WOŚP demonstrates the power of unity, compassion, and community action. Whether in Poland, the Netherlands, or elsewhere, you can participate by donating, volunteering, or simply attending the events. Let’s support WOŚP in their mission to provide better healthcare for all. For more information about the organization’s history and current initiatives, visit their website:
WOŚP Official Website
Image: https://www.wosp.org.pl/aktualnosci/onkologia-i-hematologia-dziecieca-celem-33-finalu-wosp
Author: Beata Bruggeman-Sękowska graduated in American culture studies from Warsaw University and journalism from École Supérieure de Journalisme de Lille and Warsaw University in cooperation with the College of Europe. She is an international journalist, TV correspondent, author, chief editor of the international journalism center, Central and Eastern Europe Centre, president of the European Institute on Communist Oppression and a sworn translator. She was born in Warsaw, Poland and also has Armenian ancestry and roots in Lviv, Ukraine. She has been living in Heerlen, the Netherlands, since 2005.
