In February, we at Helio started a fundraiser to send an ambulance to Ukraine. Together with our community, we raised money for a fully equipped ambulance, and last weekend our CEO drove Patrik Astrom down to Lviv and now at the front and in use.
Here he tells us why we did it, how it went and what it's like in place.
Why is Helio doing this?
Last winter I felt that we had to do something concrete for Ukraine. Russia tried to freeze millions of Ukrainian civilians to death by destroying all energy infrastructure, while the war was becoming a daily occurrence in the news and other conflicts were taking over. But the Russian bombs continue to fall every night.
We have something quite unique on Helio: a community with over 1,500 members with companies and people who care. So we wanted to use that power to make a difference. It's about both contributing with an ambulance, but also about highlighting the work that Karavanen Ukraina does. They get help to reach out quickly, concretely and without intermediaries.
How has the fundraising gone?
Beyond expectations. We are grateful for everything – from a few hundred kronor to the largest individual donation of 50,000 kronor from a member.
But what stands out is the commitment! Members, the team and our real estate partners have stepped forward. Cheers, spreading the word, people wanting to contribute and several who wanted to come down as drivers.
In the end it was me and the member Annika Bruno from Slussen who drove, along with a larger caravan of vehicles – trucks, pickups and medical equipment.
The money from Helio went to purchase a Norwegian ambulance – a few years old Merca – which is now in operation.
How was the trip?
Very special and difficult to take in. Lviv (which is 1000 kilometers from the front) is bustling with life – early summer, people on the streets, squares and restaurants. At the same time, the war is there all the time. Buildings that have been bombed and are still standing and not yet repaired.
I was at a morning mass in a church where the walls were filled with pictures of fallen soldiers. Row after row. Many the same age as my own sons. During the thanksgiving dinner with aid workers and soldiers, we got a clearer picture of the reality at the front, and that the shortage of most things is glaring.
What makes Caravan Ukraine so effective is precision. It is never general donations but only the vehicles and equipment they have requested, down to the exact model and year.
Who are the Caravan Ukraine?
The big heroes in this context are Caravan Ukraine and their organization. They are a non-profit organization that has been delivering vehicles and medical equipment to Ukraine. Behind the Swedish part are the enthusiasts Patrik Jaldevik and Per Ottoson, with enormous commitment.
The model is simple: 100 % of the money goes to vehicles and equipment. Everything is delivered to Lviv and sent on to where the needs are greatest.
The collection for Helio-ambulance is finished, but Caravan Ukraine continues with more caravans. The next caravan is already planned for the summer. If you want to join and contribute, so check out their website here and contribute with money, commitment or materials.
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