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.
Throughout 2024, HUG's initiatives, supported by collaborations with various organizations and volunteers, played a crucial role in providing aid and fostering community among Ukrainian refugees in Sweden.
Our approach addressed both immediate needs and long-term challenges faced by those affected by the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
contact@hug.ngo
Phone
+46 72 013 81 98
Address
Bankogatan 61, 414 80, Göteborg.
