President of Volvo Defence
Retired CEO of Catella Group
Kyrkohede of Carl Johans Pastorat
Chief Legal Officer at Nobelstiftelsen
On a rainy February 26th, a small group gathered outside the Russian consulate in Gothenburg, united under a Ukrainian flag to protest the war.
Days later, millions fled their homes. By the end of the first week, Help Ukraine Gothenburg (HUG) had sent 9 evacuation buses—lifelines for those escaping unimaginable danger.
In partnership with Svenska Kyrkan, we opened the doors of a shelter for refugees. Over 300 Ukrainians found a safe place where they could begin to heal and rebuild, surrounded by support and compassion.
To meet growing needs, we launched the HUG Support Center in Gothenburg, welcoming over 60 visitors daily with guidance and community.
“We are building bridges — connecting Ukrainians who fled the war with the Swedes who opened their hearts and homes. Together, we create not only support, but joint community.”
We launched our CareConnectWithUkraine initiative, where we started to support and help create better conditions for Ukrainians coming to Sweden to be able to find their place in the labor market and be included in society.
100
Partnerships in the job market.
700
Participants in the project.
250
Matched jobs and career opportunities.
Children and youth are at the core of the community, and with the increasing need for support for Ukrainians in Gothenburg, we created two local initiatives.
Huggis, a preschool where children learn and play in a safe and nurturing environment, providing stability in uncertain times. Through creative activities and social interaction, Huggis helps children build confidence, develop essential skills, and feel a sense of belonging.
Unity, focusing on youth instead, is a cultural center for music, collaboration, and education, offering a space to create and connect. Through workshops and projects, Unity fosters artistic expression, community, and personal growth, empowering youth to develop their talents and build meaningful relationships.
Hug's efforts in 2023 include:
1100
Fire extinguishers delivered.
900
Heating stoves delivered.
70
Tons of humanitarian aid.
When the Russian army destroyed the Kakhovka Dam, displacing hundreds of thousands and cutting off access to clean water, Hug responded immediately, mobilizing resources and, together with key partners, coordinating a rapid relief effort.
Volvo Defence managed transport, Sahlgrenska supplied medical aid, CapMan provided housing materials, and Essity ensured access to hygiene essentials. With their support and that of other dedicated partners, we delivered critical supplies to Kherson, reaching communities where entire neighbourhoods lay underwater.
This effort demonstrated the strength of collective action in times of crisis. By bringing together expertise and resources, we were able to provide vital support when it was needed most.
"Invisible scars of war are the hardest to heal, but through community, support, and understanding, both adults and children can reclaim their joy and hope for the future."
The Better You&Me project is dedicated to supporting mental health. Through therapeutic activities, community engagement, and structured rehabilitation, we help Ukrainians rebuild their confidence, process their experiences, and rediscover joy. Every conversation, every shared moment, and every small step forward contributes to restoring what war has tried to take away.
Some efforts by Hug during 2024:
470
Tons of humanitarian aid.
2500
tourniquets fundraised for.
900
Heating stoves delivered.
In Sweden, we continue to strengthen our long-term support for those affected by war trauma, with a strong focus on mental health. Through Better You & Me, we have expanded our work, providing hundreds of children and adults with the care and tools they need to heal.
The program has evolved into a powerful tool for recovery. Using proven methods such as art and dance therapy, group sessions, mindfulness, individual consultations, and retreats in scenic settings, we have created safe spaces for healing and growth. For many, these efforts have been a turning point—a place where the joy of life can return.
The fact that 98% of participants would recommend the program to others clearly shows the difference Better You&Me makes.
Week after week, our trucks have carried life-saving supplies into Ukraine—medical equipment, medicine, and essentials for those on the front lines. Thanks to the generosity of Volvo Defense, every single truck has made it to those who need it most.
With support from Västra Götaland Regionen, Sahlgrenska, and Region Halland, hospitals and field units across Ukraine have received critical medical aid. Defibrillators, medicine, and trauma dressings are making a real difference—helping doctors and medics save lives in the toughest conditions.
Your support fuels this mission. Together, we’re delivering hope where it’s needed most. Thanks to you, the following Ukrainian brigades have received aid:
In war, there are no guarantees of safety. For those on the front lines or in devastated areas, shelter and medical facilities can mean the difference between survival and despair.
Thanks to our new partners, Peab & Lambertsson, we’ve been able to provide Ukrainians with container houses, electrical cabinets, and tools. These resources power field hospitals, offer refuge near the front, and help restore critical infrastructure.
But this is more than material aid—it’s a message of solidarity. Your support shows Ukraine is not alone in this fight.
"The demand for this type of equipment in Ukraine is enormous. At the same time, we’re seeing a decline in donations. That’s why it’s invaluable when major companies step up and offer their support—perhaps even inspiring others to do the same."
Thanks to the continued support of Gothenburg Majorna Frölunda Rotary Club, Deloitte, Region Kronoberg, Church of Sweden, Volito, Mannheimer Swartling, Gernandt & Danielsson, Nordic Capital, and Stefan Linder, we have been able to send even more ambulances and casevacs to Ukraine—reinforcing an effort that has already saved countless lives.
These vehicles remain essential for both civilians and soldiers, providing a critical lifeline to hospitals where they can receive the urgent care they need. In a war zone, every second counts—your support ensures help arrives in time.
For another year, we have continued organizing summer camps and activities for Ukrainian children in both Sweden and Ukraine. These camps have become an oasis—offering joy, play, and learning while giving children a much-needed break from the hardships of war.
Through engaging activities and supportive environments, we help them begin to process their experiences and regain a sense of normalcy, fostering resilience and hope for the future. Each year, these moments prove just how important it is to create spaces where children can simply be children again, free to laugh, learn, and dream.
Everything we have accomplished in 2024 and beyond has been possible because of you – our amazing sponsors, partners and friends. You have been a crucial part of every truck sent to Ukraine, every medical supply that saved a life and every child given a moment of safety.
contact@hug.ngo
Phone
+46 72 013 81 98
Address
Bankogatan 61, 414 80, Göteborg.
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