GMU PLAYS ITS PART IN 32ND FINALE OF GREAT ORCHESTRA OF CHRISTMAS CHARITY
More than 1000 visitors to the University's simulators, planetarium, and the "Dar Młodzieży", which hosted first aid and rescue demonstrations, the University mascots, and plenty of volunteers sporting red hearts - there was all of this and more during the 32nd Finale of the Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity at Gdynia Maritime University.
On Sunday 28 January, Gdynia Maritime University once again played its part in the Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity. This year, our students and staff raised funds under the charity's motto for 2024 "Post-Pandemic Lungs".
The Faculty of Navigation opened its doors to visitors at 12:00 pm. Students and staff volunteers were on site with various interesting activities for all those who came until 17:00.
As usual, the Antoni Ledochowski Planetarium attracted many visitors. Thanks to the invaluable knowledge of Marek Szczepański, hundreds of visitors were able to trace the journey of the stars through the sky.
No less popular were the Faculty's manoeuvring and radio-navigation simulators. Visitors of all ages got to try their hands at guiding a ship through ports around the world, in all weather conditions. Our youngest guests proved that future generations will have no shortage of experienced mariners.
The Faculty of Navigation's Student Scientific Circle "LoGIStic" presented information on the potential use of drones in transport and logistics. The "CARGO" Student Science Circle’s stand which provided interesting information on the effect of sugar on human health. Even the smartest kids, when asked to guess, were amazed to see how much-hidden sugar is in their favourite sweet snacks.
The University's partner "Sail Team" also ran a stand for the International Centre for Bone Marrow Donors (DKMS), to which many visitors came to register as potential bone marrow donors. Their decision to register can save lives in the future.
Also popular was the stall run by volunteers selling original WOŚP merchandise. Local residents visiting the Faculty were also able to take part in an interesting presentation on water safety given by experienced lifeguards from the Voluntary Water Rescue Service (WOPR).
Crowds of people all came out to visit the University's tall ship, the "Dar Młodzieży". Hundreds of people interested in visiting the ship passed through the deck of the famous training ship. Gdynia Maritime University students proudly spoke of their adventures during training voyages, as well as leading groups below deck to visit the quarters inhabited by them on long voyages.
The ship also hosted workshops as part of the "Doctors on the Dar" initiative, with first aid demonstrations organised in a very realistic manner, and even discussed injuries less common injuries. The water rescue shows, which took place at 2 pm and 4 pm, were watched by large groups.
The beautiful winter weather was the perfect crowning to the atmosphere of goodness and kindness that we were able to build together in supporting a good cause.
In addition, during the evening's auction at the Gdynia City Theatre, two exceptional items were put to bidding by Gdynia Maritime University for the benefit of the Great Orchestra.
The first of them, a fragment of one of the sails of the "Dar Młodzieży" signed by Jurek Owsiak, was bought for as much as 3000 PLN. The extraordinary and unique industrial-style maritime lamp, made in a traditional way by the employees and students of the Faculty of Marine Engineering, found a new owner after a winning bid of 1,600 PLN.
University merchandise was also put to auction online on Allegro by the Charity's Gdynia Office. In total, across all online auctions, we collected PLN 4,223.50.
All funds raised as part of the event have been passed on to the Great Orchestra of Christmas Aid.
We would like to thank the students and staff of our University, the crew of the "Dar Młodzieży", all rescuers and medics involved in the "Doctors on the Dar initiative", and the Sailing Orchestra for their help and organisation of the 32nd Finale of the Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity.
We would also like to thank all visitors for playing their part.
See you next year!
