THE PCK MISSION – we help, we teach, we inspire!

Last Sunday, May 24, 2026, we had the immense pleasure of participating in NGO FEST – the Festival of Non-Governmental Organizations and Social Initiatives, organized by the Office of Social Activity of the City of Bydgoszcz. This year's edition of the event once again brought together numerous social organizations, residents, and all those who are close to the idea of building an active civic society in Bydgoszcz's Mill Island.

NGO FEST is a unique space for meetings, inspiration, and collaboration. The event provides organizations with the opportunity to present their activities, share experiences, and establish new partnerships. It is also an excellent opportunity for residents to learn more about locally implemented initiatives and find out how they can get involved in social activities and volunteering.

There was also a strong presence of the Polish Red Cross at the event. The Kujawsko-Pomorskie Regional Branch of the PCK was represented by branch employees, the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Humanitarian Aid Group, the Medical Rescue Group of PCK Bydgoszcz, the Social Youth Instructor Group of PCK, and our invaluable volunteers.

Our booth enjoyed a great deal of interest and was divided into several activity zones. In the section run by KPOO employees, visitors could learn more about the activities of the Polish Red Cross - both on a national and local scale. Participants also had the opportunity to measure their blood pressure and talk to a qualified nurse about health prevention.

We also did not forget about the honorary blood donors - we prepared special gadgets for them and a unique photo wall with the slogan 'Not every hero wears a cape', where anyone interested could take a commemorative photo.

The first aid demonstrations conducted by the Medical Rescue Group of PCK were also a huge draw. Participants could see how to provide first aid to people and animals, as well as take a look inside an ambulance. This attraction brought particular joy to the children.

On the occasion of the upcoming International Children's Day, we also prepared a special treasure hunt for the youngest. It was organized by the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Humanitarian Aid Group in collaboration with the Medical Rescue Group of PCK. There were as many as eight stations set up on Mill Island, where participants could engage in various educational and practical tasks.

Young participants faced challenges such as making a phone call to the emergency number and reporting an accident, learning the principles of blood donation, studying basic communication, assembling an evacuation and humanitarian backpack, practicing first aid, and navigating through a smoky tent. At each station, children received a piece of code written in Morse code, which they had to decipher at the final point of the game. The final password was: 'PCK Mission'.

The treasure hunt was not only great fun, but also an excellent opportunity to acquire valuable knowledge and practical skills. The smiles on the children's faces were the best evidence that all the attractions prepared brought them immense joy.

Each participant received a small gift and refreshments prepared by KP OO Bydgoszcz.

We sincerely thank all employees, volunteers, and PCK group members for beautifully, professionally, and dignifiedly representing the Polish Red Cross during this year's NGO FEST.

We express our gratitude to the event organizers for creating a space for the integration of non-governmental organizations and for their continuous support of social initiatives and volunteering in our city. Thanks to such events, we can jointly build a society full of empathy, engagement, and mutual assistance.