HUG (Help Ukraine Gothenburg) & Volvo Group Cooperation

At Help Ukraine Gothenburg (HUG), we believe in the power of strong partnerships to create meaningful change. Our collaboration with Volvo Group has been important in providing critical support to both Ukrainians in Sweden and those affected by the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Volvo Group was one of our first partners. Through humanitarian aid deliveries, career development programs, kids and youth initiatives and many more, we have worked together to drive impact where it is needed most.

Humanitarian Aid: Delivering Essential Support to Ukraine

One of the most significant aspects of our cooperation has been the delivery of trucks and life-saving equipment to Ukraine. Thanks to Volvo Group’s generous contributions, we have been able to transport humanitarian aid, including medical supplies, food, and essential materials, to support communities affected by war. With each truck sent, we ensure that those in need receive the assistance necessary to rebuild and survive.

Career Development & Internships: Empowering Ukrainians in Sweden

Beyond direct aid, our partnership extends to career development initiatives for Ukrainians integrating into Swedish society. Finding meaningful employment is one of the most important steps toward building a new life in Sweden, and through our cooperation with Volvo Group, we provide opportunities for professional growth, skill development, and networking.

Together, we have organized:

• Internship programs that allow Ukrainians to gain hands-on work experience within Volvo Group, helping them understand Swedish work culture, build professional networks, and increase their chances of long-term employment.

• Tuve factory visit where Ukrainian professionals and job seekers can see Volvo Group's production facilities, learn about different roles, and explore potential career paths.

These initiatives not only provide valuable work experience but also help Ukrainians develop confidence in the Swedish labor market. Some of our participants have successfully transitioned into full-time roles after completing internships, demonstrating the effectiveness of these programs in helping Ukrainians restart their careers in Sweden.

Youth & Education: Inspiring the Next Generation

With Volvo Group’s support, we have created unique learning opportunities for children and youth. By introducing them to the world of engineering, technology, and career development, we help Ukrainian youth in Sweden gain inspiration and explore future career possibilities.

Our initiatives include:

• World of Volvo visits, where young Ukrainians discover the innovations behind Volvo’s transportation solutions, learn about sustainability in the automotive industry, and get hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology.

• Mentorship meetings, where professionals from Volvo Group guide and advise young Ukrainians on career choices, educational opportunities, and skill development. (... idk if we had this)

• Career orientation meetings, which provide Ukrainian students with insights into different industries, helping them better understand their options and make informed career decisions.

These programs are not just about education — they are about empowerment. By giving young Ukrainians access to knowledge, mentors, and real-world experiences, we help them build a future filled with opportunities.

A Partnership That Creates Change

Our cooperation with Volvo Group exemplifies how businesses and humanitarian organizations can work together to create lasting impact. From sending humanitarian aid and rescue vehicles to Ukraine to supporting Ukrainian job seekers and youth in Sweden, we continue to build a stronger, more resilient future together.

We are deeply grateful to Volvo Group for their ongoing support and shared commitment to making a difference. Together, we drive change—both on the ground in Ukraine and in the lives of Ukrainians building new futures in Sweden.

The support from Volvo and its employees makes a difference for people in Ukraine

The support from Volvo Group and its employees has made a difference. Here are some examples of the main activities since February 2022 :

1. Donations  

• Red Cross 3 MSEK, UNCHR 2 MSEK and The Hungarian Charity Service of the Order of Malta 300 KSEK  
  

• Employee fundraising to Red Cross Volvo Group employee fundraising set-up with Red Cross 918 647 KSEK. Matched by the company with 2 MSEK.    

2. Task Force working to support Red Cross, UNHCR and Help Ukraine Gothenburg (HUG) with transportation requests:

• 2022: 84 truckloads (Red Cross, UNHCR)  

• 2023: 134 truckloads as of September (Red Cross)  

• 2023: 25 truckloads as of September (HUG)

• One full time resource dedicated to this work from GTO
  

3. Truck donations

• 5 Renault Trucks to the International Red Cross (four out of five being donated by a US dealer)    

• Support to refugees coming to Gothenburg via HUG & Lindholmen Science Park: one full time resource from Volvo Group for 6 months

Support to refugees coming to Gothenburg, Sweden  

A number of initiatives have started to support refugees with jobs, housing, childcare etc.  

Volvo Group decided to support one initiative in Gothenburg with one full time resource for six months with the main aim to create jobs for refugees.  

Behind this initiative is Help Ukraine Gothenburg (HUG) and Lindholmen Science Park. It is also funded by VGR (Region Västra Götaland) and Business Region Gothenburg as well as a number of companies.

Humanitarian support to Ukraine

Since the war in Ukraine broke out on February 24 three years ago, Volvo Group has provided humanitarian support and contributions through various aid organizations to help those affected.

The Volvo Group's values and ways of working are a central part of our identity and permeate everything we do, that includes our engagements in society. These principles are deeply rooted in our long and proud history. When the situation for people and colleagues in Ukraine quickly worsened, there was a lot of engagement across the Group to help.

The AB Volvo Board decided quickly in 2022 to give mandate for activities and donations for humanitarian support to Ukraine.

"We have seen remarkable devotion and engagement from colleagues across the Group during this time of immense human suffering in Ukraine. By maintaining strong relationships with our partners, we can ensure that efforts are directed where they are needed most. Through our partners we are able to provide aid to support refugees, internally displaced persons, and communities in these vulnerable situations,” says Johan Reiman, Director Corporate Responsibility at Volvo Group Headquarters.

Internship initiative

Volvo Group has also been welcoming professionals who have fled from Ukraine to a paid internship at its operations in Gothenburg. Since the start in August 2024, 10 persons has been working at Volvo Group Corporate Responsibility, Volvo Group People & Culture, Volvo Trucks Defense, Volvo Penta and Camp X.  

One of the interns is Yuliia Popova that started her internship at Volvo Defense in the end of August 2024, working with marketing activities, social media and exhibitions.

From the first weeks, I felt like part of the team, and I appreciate everyone’s support during my journey here. I feel that I can contribute with my knowledge and creativity while also learning a lot of new things every day. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn and grow at Volvo Group, which has had a great impact on my personal development, and I hope to continue my career journey here.

Tetiana Lukashevych, also one of the interns, did her internship at the Volvo Group Corporate Responsibility department.  

Starting over in a new country and finding career opportunities wasn’t easy but thanks to this initiative by Help Ukraine Gothenburg (HUG) and Volvo Group, I was given the chance to prove myself professionally and be part of something meaningful. I’m grateful for the skills learned, the people I met and to see firsthand how a big company like Volvo can affect our future positively. Through this rewarding experience I gained a more positive outlook on both my career and the future in general.

Logistics support

Volvo Group has a task force working to support Red Cross, UNHCR and Help Ukraine Gothenburg (HUG) with transportation requests. So far, over 3000 tons of humanitarian goods have been delivered to Ukraine through our transport support. Tony Andries at Group Trucks Operations is dedicated to this work.  

2022
84 truckloads (Red Cross, UNHCR)

2023
168 truckloads (Red Cross)
15 truckloads (HUG)

2024
62 truckloads (Red Cross)
62 truckloads (HUG)

Our partnership with Volvo Group is a powerful example of how businesses and humanitarian organizations can work together to make a real difference. From delivering humanitarian aid to Ukraine, to supporting Ukrainian refugees in Sweden through internships, career development, and youth programs — this collaboration has had a tangible, lasting impact. Together, we’re not only providing critical support today, but also building a stronger, more resilient future for those affected by war.

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