Two major Volunteer Galas held on 5 December in Olsztyn and Kielce marked the official launch of the International Year of Volunteers. The Warmia and Mazury Volunteer Gala took place at 12:00 in Olsztyn, with the participation of Adriana Porowska, State Secretary in the Chancellery of the Prime Minister and Vice-Chair of the Public Benefit Committee.

The 20th Świętokrzyskie Volunteer Gala began at 18:00 in the Kielce Cultural Centre, followed by the inauguration of the International Year of Volunteers by Michal Braun, the Focal Point Director, at 19:45. The event concluded with a special concert featuring Tatiana Okupnik and the band LOR.