ORLEN Joins Forces with the Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity!
ORLEN is excited to participate in the upcoming Finale of Poland’s Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity (PL. Wielka Orkiestra Świątecznej Pomocy – WOŚP) and support the organisation’s fundraising efforts to enhance diagnostic capabilities in paediatric oncology and haematology wards. ORLEN is committed to prioritizing children’s health and will provide regular updates on its activities in partnership with WOŚP.
The 33rd Finale, set to take place on 26 January 2025, centres on ensuring children’s health and safety. This year’s fundraiser aims to support paediatric oncology and haematology wards across Poland by facilitating the purchase of cutting-edge diagnostic equipment.
“We couldn’t imagine not being part of this effort. While we implement various programmes and projects to support the activities and development of the younger generation, we cannot overlook the children facing one of the gravest challenges – a serious illness. We hope that the medical equipment purchased with the funds raised during the upcoming Finale will ease the daily struggles of these young heroes, their parents, and their doctors, and help these patients on their journey back to health,” said Ireneusz Fąfara, President of the Management Board and CEO of ORLEN.
The decision to partner with WOŚP was informed by a customer survey conducted in September 2024.
“Over 70% of our customers expressed their support for ORLEN’s engagement with WOŚP. This resounding endorsement confirmed our belief that joining Poland’s largest charitable effort is the right decision. At ORLEN, we are deeply committed to helping ensure that children in our country have access to modern and comprehensive medical care,” emphasised Lidia Kołucka, ORLEN’s Executive Director for Sponsorship.
With nearly 2,000 ORLEN service stations across Poland, serving tens of thousands of customers daily, our network is uniquely positioned to contribute meaningfully to one of the most widespread and beloved charity initiatives in Poland. Throughout January 2025, visitors to ORLEN fuel stations – both company-operated and franchised – will be able to support the fundraiser by donating to WOŚP collection boxes placed at cash registers. ORLEN will also encourage its employees to actively engage in volunteer activities.
The importance of this initiative cannot be overstated. Cancer is the second leading cause of death among children in Poland, surpassed only by accidents. Each year, approximately 1,100 children are diagnosed with cancer, and a further 3,000 are undergoing intensive treatment. Advances in oncology have significantly improved outcomes, with over 80% of patients now achieving remission, which places Poland on par with many Western European nations and the United States.
However, the progress in cancer treatment requires sustained and substantial investments in diagnostic and medical equipment. The funds raised during the 33rd Finale are expected to enable the procurement of vital equipment for 18 paediatric wards, 17 hospices, 5 neuro-oncology centres, 6 surgical oncology centres, and 4 pathology units.
To date, the Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity has raised nearly PLN 2.3 billion over its 32 Finales, funding the purchase of more than 73,000 medical devices. During the most recent Finale in January 2024, dedicated to combating lung diseases, the campaign raised an extraordinary PLN 282 million, thanks to the dedication of volunteers, donors, and local teams.
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