At the Old Theatre, a ceremonial gala was held during which nominations, commendations and awards were presented to individuals, organizations and institutions that selflessly help others and thereby promote pro-social attitudes and the willingness to provide assistance itself.
This year’s competition attracted very strong interest. Six winners were selected from 47 entries in the following categories: youth volunteer, adult volunteer, donor, occasional volunteering, non-governmental organization and big-hearted volunteer; special commendations were also awarded.
This year, the statuette in the youth volunteer category was received by Martyna Rudzik, while commendations went to Oliwia Dec and Julia Brońska.
The adult volunteer award went to Irmina Nowak. A commendation in this category was awarded to Mariusz Januszek.
The winner in the occasional volunteering category was Szkolny Klub Wolontariatu at Primary School No. 1 named after Janusz Kusociński, whose supervisor is Marzena Borecka.
In the non-governmental organization category, the winner was Ochotnicza Straż Pożarna w Trzebieniu.
The winner in the donor category was Przedsiębiorstwo Handlowo-Usługowe BZM Cieśla.
In this year’s competition, the big-hearted volunteer award went to Jarosław Nenkin.
Profiles of all the winners and nominees
ADULT VOLUNTEER
ANDRZEJ STEFAŃCZYK – a journalist associated for many years with TVN television and Muzyczne Radio. An avid marathon runner, he is recognized as the initiator and co-organizer of the “BORYRUN – Zamkowy Bieg na Zdrowie” Festival. He is involved in promoting a healthy lifestyle and sport for all age groups. He promotes the idea of volunteering by organizing volunteers to provide logistical support for sports events and activities. Through his attitude and commitment, he effectively motivates others to engage in physical activity.
IRMINA NOWAK – a teacher at I Liceum Ogólnokształcącego im. W. Broniewskiego in Bolesławiec. She is exceptionally committed not only to teaching, educational and caregiving work, but also to promoting charitable activities and volunteering. It is difficult to list all the initiatives in which Ms Irmina is involved. It is nevertheless impossible not to mention the organization of Spring Concerts promoting the talents of students and teachers, but above all having a charitable dimension. In March 2022, Ms Irmina created a volunteer group providing assistance to citizens of Ukraine. As part of her charitable activities, Ms Irmina coordinates the school’s “Szlachetna Paczka”, organizes support for animal shelters and rescue centers, and actively cooperates with Fundacja CzaSami במסגרת the “Odpoczywajmy Aktywnie” project, helping organize therapeutic workshops for children and young people with intellectual disabilities. It was also on her initiative that Mental Health Days called “Masz coś w głowie” are held at the school, aiming to raise awareness of depression, anxiety and sadness, which affect everyone.
MARIUSZ OLIWA – a resident of Bolesławiec, he is a committed Sudetes guide and promoter of local attractions. Since January 2023, he has volunteered at the Municipal Public Library – Knowledge Center, where he initiated the “Klub Włóczykija” series of meetings. His activities focus on travel education and social integration, introducing participants to the beauty of the region through themed lectures and meetings. Thanks to his commitment, 22 meetings have already taken place, during which stereotypes about tourism were challenged and participants were inspired to discover unknown corners of Lower Silesia. Mr Mariusz is also president of the Bolesławiec branch of the Polish Youth Hostels Association and founder of Towarzystwo Wagabunda. His passion, creativity and dedication deserve admiration and recognition.
KATARZYNA GONDEK-WIECZOREK – Vice-President of Fundacja CzaSami and deputy chair of the County Council for Public Benefit Activity. She actively works for people with disabilities and their families in Bolesławiec County. Thanks to her commitment, the Foundation organizes support for those most in need, including through the “Odpoczywamy aktywnie” project, which enables children and young people with disabilities to enjoy active recreation adapted to their needs. Ms Katarzyna conducts classes promoting volunteering and organizes sports competitions for people with disabilities. A teacher, wife and mother, she is an example of a person who passionately builds a better life for others, inspiring her community with unwavering commitment and heart.
JERZY ZAJĄC – for 24 years, he has served as president of the board of the “Tulipan” Family Allotment Gardens on a volunteer basis. Thanks to his commitment, the Allotment Garden House, a terrace and a children’s playground have been created, among other things. The hall at the Allotment Garden House is also used by many non-governmental organizations, such as the Polish Red Cross and the Honorary Blood Donors’ Club. Mr Jerzy educates people about healthy lifestyles and environmental protection, involving children and adults in growing plants. His organizational skills support the development of ROD “Tulipan”, making him an inspiration to allotment holders and the local community.
MAGDA HALIKOWSKA-PRZYBYŁO – works as a teacher at Zespół Szkół Budowlanych. She is not indifferent to the needs of others and is known for her charitable activity. She has carried out many initiatives, such as collecting food for animals from a shelter and collecting donations for refugees from Ukraine. Her commitment to helping others was also visible during the fight against the September flood, when she actively participated in cleaning flooded buildings. Every year, she travels to Lithuania to help clean the graves of Poles.
JAROSŁAW NENKIN – serves as village head of Trzebień and president of Ochotnicza Straż Pożarna w Trzebieniu. He is a councillor of the Bolesławiec County Council. He has been involved in community activities for years. He supports OSP units from across the county in obtaining funds for their work. He educates young people in the spirit of firefighting traditions. He co-organizes charitable campaigns and collections, including a humanitarian aid point launched after the outbreak of the war in Ukraine. He stood out for his exceptional activity and commitment during this year’s flood, organizing assistance from OSP and the Territorial Defence Forces. He initiated a collection of household appliances and provided financial support to those affected. His commitment to the activities undertaken is always immense and boundless.
MONIKA PLICHTA – a resident of Świętoszów and councillor of Osiecznica Commune. She is actively involved in the Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity foundation, helping organize its finals. She is active in Stowarzyszenie Rodzina Wojskowa. She co-organizes the Independence Run in Świętoszów. Ms Monika initiates and organizes fairs and charitable collections for people in need in the local community. Through her attitude, she widely promotes the idea of volunteering and unites the local community. Importantly, Ms Monika’s activities are regular and ongoing.
MARIUSZ JANUSZEK – a disability pensioner from Bolesławiec whose illness deprived him of the ability to work fully, but certainly did not deprive him of empathy, openness or willingness to help. Mr Mariusz devotes his free time to volunteering at the Municipal Public Library – Knowledge Center in Bolesławiec. With a smile and cordiality, he supports MBP-CW employees in their daily work and often also offers his help to readers.
WŁADYSŁAWA KOTLAREK, TERESA ŚLIWIŃSKA – both women are active members of the board of the Bolesławiec Amazons’ Club. Thanks to their commitment, the “Afrodyty z Amazonek”, “W zdrowym ciele zdrowy duch” and “Dzień Walki z Rakiem w Powiecie Bolesławieckim” projects are carried out regularly. Their activities were honored in 2014 with an award for the Promotion of the City of Bolesławiec. The board, composed of both women, organizes several projects each year using public funds, providing rehabilitation for women after mastectomy. Thanks to their commitment, numerous projects are conducted to fight cancer and promote a healthy lifestyle. The Amazons’ Club led by Ms Władysława and Ms Teresa is also a place where people exhausted by serious illness can find support, kindness and help.
YOUTH VOLUNTEER
OLIWIA DEC – a student at Zespół Szkół Ogólnokształcących i Zawodowych in Bolesławiec and an exceptional young volunteer. She is active in the School Volunteer Club, participates in the Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity, supports the Bone Marrow Donors Foundation by registering potential donors, and promotes health in the local community. Her commitment was especially visible during the flood, when she helped secure homes and organized aid for those affected. Oliwia combines sensitivity to the needs of others with passion, inspiring others to take action.
MARTYNA RUDZIK – a student at the Surveying Technical School within Zespół Szkół Budowlanych. For many years, she has participated in charitable campaigns and events organized in the county and beyond. Her musical talent has accompanied many events, including the Charity Concert for Jagoda, Autism Awareness Day, children’s competitions, “Zielone Koncerty” with I Liceum Ogólnokształcącego in Bolesławiec, and concerts for seniors. Martyna is also involved in the Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity and volunteers at the County Christmas Eve Gathering for People with Disabilities. Martyna is characterized by resourcefulness and enthusiasm for helping others. Through her attitude, she encourages young people to engage in social initiatives.
JULIA BROŃSKA – a student in class 4b at I Liceum Ogólnokształcącego im. W. Broniewskiego in Bolesławiec, actively involved in volunteering and social activities for two years. She serves as secretary of the Student Council and devotes her energy to helping children, people with disabilities and refugees. Julia participated in organizing numerous charitable and social events, such as Children’s Day for children from Ukraine, Szlachetna Paczka and charity concerts, handling logistics and organizational support. She took part in fairs, donation drives and initiatives supporting mental health and combating hate. As part of school activities, she organized Open Days and Foreign Languages Day and cooperated on the Lower Silesian Science Festival. Her commitment and willingness to help distinguish her as a leader and volunteer with genuine passion.
GROUP OF STUDENTS FROM ZESPÓŁ SZKÓŁ BUDOWLANYCH comprising: Martyna Rudzik, Monika Dzięgiel, Justyna Dzięgiel, Alicja Majewska, Zuzanna Wilk, Malwina Bociek, Justyna Jeńczak, Szymon Momot, Kacper Warmus. Each year, the group is very actively involved in organizing and running Bolesławiec Cancer Awareness Day. In addition, the students support numerous local charitable campaigns. They are always willing to help and support those in need.
OCCASIONAL VOLUNTEERING
SCHOOL VOLUNTEER CLUB AT PRIMARY SCHOOL NO. 1 NAMED AFTER JANUSZ KUSOCIŃSKI IN BOLESŁAWIEC – School volunteering is the selfless involvement of the school community on behalf of those in need. Volunteering activities develop openness to the outside world in young minds, teach empathy and allow them to develop their interests, while also having an educational and formative character. The Club actively responds to the needs of its environment, initiates activities at the school and in the local community, and supports various charitable campaigns.
BOLESŁAWIEC HEADQUARTERS OF THE GREAT ORCHESTRA OF CHRISTMAS CHARITY #SZTAB4689 – The headquarters has operated continuously since 2018, organizing the annual Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity final. During the pandemic, it additionally helped prepare and deliver meals to various hospital wards. Thanks to the commitment of volunteers, an impressive PLN 1,310,760.12 was collected and used to purchase medical equipment. The WOŚP campaign in Bolesławiec County united hundreds of volunteers to support those in need.
RURAL HOUSEWIVES’ CIRCLE IN TRZEBIEŃ – During the flood, the women belonging to the Rural Housewives’ Circle in Trzebień selflessly helped residents affected by the disaster. They assisted in preparing meals and providing shelter and accommodation. They were exceptionally kind and helpful and cared for everyone in need. They helped elderly people move around, delivered hot meals and provided ready-made dishes three times a day. Their dedication deserves recognition and respect.
NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATION
ASSOCIATION OF LOVERS OF LVIV AND THE SOUTH-EASTERN BORDERLANDS, BOLESŁAWIEC BRANCH – a non-governmental organization founded in 1989, bringing together people interested in the history and culture of the former Eastern Borderlands. The association’s main goal is to promote knowledge about the history of Lviv and the Borderlands, preserve Polish cultural heritage and maintain contact with Poles living in eastern areas. The branch conducts extensive educational and cultural activities, cooperating with local schools, cultural institutions and volunteers. It organizes history lessons, exhibitions and trips, involving both young people and seniors in efforts to protect Polish heritage outside the country. For more than 10 years, the organization’s volunteers have been cleaning Polish cemeteries in Ukraine, Lithuania and Moldova. In 2024, projects co-financed by Gmina Bolesławiec and the Narodowy Instytut Polonika were also carried out to protect and promote Borderlands heritage. The association stands out for its involvement in local community life and active participation in cultural and patriotic events.
VOLUNTEER FIRE BRIGADE IN TRZEBIEŃ – The firefighters of Ochotnicza Straż Pożarna w Trzebieniu have proudly and devotedly carried out tasks for the protection of the population for years, undertaking firefighting, rescue and preventive activities. They preserve local customs and traditions while actively participating in community life. The attitude of the volunteer firefighters during this year’s flood, when they provided selfless assistance, deserves particular recognition. They helped residents of flooded communities build embankments and remove the effects of the disaster. Their commitment was boundless, contributing to the residents of Trzebień coping effectively with the disaster. Such an attitude certainly deserves emphasis.
“WSPIERAJMY ZDROWIE” FOUNDATION – The foundation operating at the hospital in Bolesławiec was established in 2007. Its main goal is to protect and promote health. It organizes medical conferences and fundraisers for sick people and provides emotional support to those in need. In addition, through first-aid training, the Foundation contributes to improving safety in the local community. It also regularly organizes sporting events aimed at social integration. The Foundation supports the youngest patients of St. Łukasz Hospital as well. Volunteers involved in the foundation’s activities devote their time, energy and knowledge to the good of others.
BOARD OF THE “TULIPAN” FAMILY ALLOTMENT GARDENS IN BOLESŁAWIEC – The Family Allotment Garden has operated in Bolesławiec for 40 years and comprises 165 allotments. The board members, who are volunteers, actively work to develop the garden, undertaking numerous initiatives such as supplying electricity to every garden hut, installing cameras to improve security and organizing events that bring garden members together. They also cooperate with various non-governmental organizations in Bolesławiec. The ROD “Tulipan” space is made available to preschool children for education in gardening work.
RURAL HOUSEWIVES’ CIRCLES. Rural Housewives’ Circles operating throughout Bolesławiec County have been helping the community for years. Their activities include daily support for residents and active participation in local community life. During this year’s September flood, KGW members prepared meals for those in need, supported residents and rescue services, helping, among other things, to build flood embankments, fill sandbags and save crops threatened by flooding. Special recognition is due to the following: Bożejowice-Rakowice, Bolesławice, Modła-Patoka, Zebrzydowa, Szczytnica, Suszki, Otok, Parzyce, Ławszowa, Kraśnik Górny, Krępnica, Kraśnik Dolny, Dąbrowa Bolesławiecka, Borówki, Kruszyn, Trzebień, Nowa.
DONOR
BZM CIEŚLA TRADING AND SERVICES GENERAL PARTNERSHIP. The candidate has operated a business since 1990, specializing in the sale of building materials. The owners of Przedsiębiorstwo Handlowo-Usługowe BZM Cieśla Spółka Jawna demonstrated exceptional generosity and empathy toward people affected by the consequences of the flood. Following the disaster, they responded positively to requests for discounts and free deliveries of building materials needed for repairs. The company also donated some materials in kind, which was invaluable assistance to the affected residents of Trzebień who found themselves in a difficult situation as a result of the flood. Through its attitude, the candidate significantly improved the living conditions of people in need, making it worthy of recognition in the donor category.