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Ever since 3 January 1993, which marked the Grand Orchestra of Christmas Charity's (GOCC) first finale, Jurek Owsiak has kicked off every year by demonstrating Poles' ability to unite across dividing lines. With every joint fundraiser, each of which centres on a particular field of paediatric medicine, records have been broken. The most recent 29^th edition of the finale produced a whopping PLN 211 million! Even the covid pandemic has not prevented people from supporting the Grand Orchestra one way or another. Since 2000, it has been possible to make contributions online (they are already ongoing in the 30^th finale available at https://aukcje.wosp.org.pl), or make payments on the GOCC Foundation website, by text message or in the form of a 1% tax withholding.

Clearly though, the Orchestra's regional outposts are always the ones to see the most action as they embrace local enthusiasts whose interests and hobbies tend to draw people who incidentally show their generosity by dropping considerable amounts of money into GOCC collection tins. And although the upcoming finale will not take place until the last Sunday of January, some of the attractions to be featured in and around Poznań have already been disclosed. A bunch of golden retriever buffs and their four-legged companions will join forces in the fundraiser. If you are a pet lover, make sure to pencil this event into your calendar under 30 January. If, however, motor vehicles are more likely to get your juices flowing, keep an eye on the upcoming Poznań BMW owners' club event intended to raise funds for the Orchestra. Further details will be shared as the event's date draws nearer.

Football fans may be interested in a 29-30 January tournament organised by the Red Box football academy in the Suchy Las Municipal Sports Facility. Running enthusiasts, in their turn, may go for the Citadel by Night idea to run together in support of the GOCC. Scheduled to begin at 11am on 30 January, the event offers the choice of 5 and 10 km running/walking routes. The last week of January will additionally feature a Virtual GOCC Run, whose organisers will harness the latest technologies to enable runners to clock in miles for the Orchestra's benefit no matter where in the world they are located. A minimum donation of PLN 50 (+ shipping cost) will get you a participant's kit and a set of detailed instructions on how to take part in the race.

No matter where you are on 30 January 2022, support the GOCC in any of the numerous ways made available! For hobbyists and enthusiasts of all stripes, this is going to be a perfect day to offer a sneak peek into their pursuits and support Jurek Owsiak and the world's loudest orchestra that he is running.

Marcin Małecki

translation: Krzysztof Kotkowski

30^th GOCC finale, 30 January. For more, see: www.wosp.org.pl

© Wydawnictwo Miejskie Posnania 2022