Acting on behalf of a group of 37 senators, Speaker Tomasz Grodzki submitted the nomination to recognise the high-profile foundation for “mobilizing all generations of Poles in a country divided and torn over politics,” according to the letter.
The senators have hailed the annual drive as “a real sociological phenomenon in Poland,” and acknowledged that since its formation in 1992, the charity has raised “about USD 50 million a year to support various branches of the health care system.”
Every January, a throng of volunteers armed with signature boxes and heart-shaped stickers go to the streets of towns and cities in a bid to raise funds.
Over the years, these efforts have been directed towards bolstering various fields of the Polish healthcare system, including paediatric cardiology, paediatric oncology first aid, and geriatrics.
“Despite the ongoing political turmoil, the Orchestra has been raising money for the past 31 years, and the amount raised has increased year after year,” the letter reads.
This year, the volunteers rallied to collect funds for the purchase of equipment for the early diagnosis of sepsis.
During its 31st grand finale held on 29 January, the Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity raised a record-breaking PLN 154 million (EUR 32.5 million).
(pjm)
Source: Senat.gov.pl, Forsal.pl