IT was party time in Redditch last weekend as people of all nationalities came together to enjoy a stunning three day fundraising celebration organised by the town’s Polish community.
The aim was to raise as much money as possible to help sick children and the elderly in Poland, providing money to pay for medical kit that here in Britain we take for granted.
In English it’s called the Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity, which in Polish is shortened to WOSP and in just three years the Redditch event has grown to be the biggest in the Midlands.
“It’s doubled in size and it’s only going to get bigger as the word has got out that WOSP has come to Redditch,” said joint organiser Frankie Prazer, a man with no Polish blood in him at all but a burning desire to see everyone get along together.
“When we started out we had a fundraising target of £2,500 and we raised £5,000, last year we raised £10,000, this year our target is £15,000 but I’d be happy with £12,000,” he added.
Britain and Poland have long been friends and this event, sponsored by Polish Brokers and supported by Mettis is now spread over three days.
It started at Fever Night Club on Friday before moving to Mettis Social Club where children’s parties, a rock night, face painting, auctions, raffles, tombolas, a Polish rapper, dancing, more music and delicious food were all on the menu.
“It’s great to to see people in Redditch, not just Polish, coming together and having a great time,” said co-organiser Monica Sedlak.
“In Poland if your baby needed to be in an incubator or the elderly needed some equipment it would have been paid for by WOSP, it is such an important charity for us.”
Guest at the event included Councillor Bill Hartnett, leader of Redditch’s Labour Party group who said: “The Great Orchestra goes from strength to strength attracting people from all over the Midlands to Redditch to raise money for a great cause.”
His colleague Coun Pattie Hill added: “To see children and families coming together and enjoying themselves is a real treat – long may it continue.”
