On February 24, 2022, I watched the live scenes on CNN when large tanks and thousands and thousands of Russian soldiers marching into Ukraine. It was a very sad moment for future world history and also a very sad reminder of what happened in the Baltics not so long ago.
I soon realized that I could not just sit still and experience this misery as a bystander. I wanted to do something to help...
My wife Annika also felt the same and togetherwe started planning an aid effort for the Ukrainian people who fled the war right in front of our eyes.
Max Viiask
Founder and Chairman of the Board
Humannity Sweden
After intensive work, we managed to fill two buses with supplies and I managed to get together a real dream team that accompanied me on the trip down to Poland and the border with Ukraine. A very special thank you to Alexander, Sakarias, Anna and Sarah in Humannity Sweden for making this trip possible and all your personal skills.
Also, special thanks to Bergkvara Buss for providing first-class buses and drivers and Grunden Bois, for the efforts being made with
the collection of supplies, ICA Toppen! in Höllviken for the biggest donation ever since. And of course, last but not least a very big thank you to all private persons, donating cash funds and all supplies!
On March 13, 2022 we departed Höllviken. First destination Katowice, Poland. In Poland we met up with Adra, our trusted on-site partner with daily delivieries into Ukraine. We un-loaded our buses and the supplies were transported by Adra on a trailer into Lviv the same afternoon.
Our two buses departed from Krakow 15 of March. The journey to Sweden went through Poland with a dinner break at an IKEA restaurant. After 16 hours with bus and ferry we arrived in Trelleborg in the morning March 16.
We managed to arrange housing for everyone who wanted a place to stay in Höllviken, Ljunghusen, Skanör and Falsterbo.
A total of 45 refugees were given accommodation in host families or in a Fotevikens Stugby in Höllviken. A very big thanks to all host families and Björn Jacobsen and Christian Karlsson in Foteviken.
Humanity Sweden is about collaboration and partnership and making things happen.
A very good example is our collaboration with NBV. Together with NBV we have arranged three rounds with courses in the Swedish language.This means over 250 lessons in the Swedish language.
Art Therapy and Språkcafé are two new activities that we started this autumm.
Art Therapy is a forum for creation and creativity. The training is suitable for adults as well as children. Art Therapy has a proven effect on stress, depression and anxiety and is an important tool for dealing with trauma.
In the fall of 2022, we have organized almost 100 hours of Art Therapy and Språkcafé, which has been highly appreciated by the participants.
We also have a very close collaboration with Save the Children (Rädda Barnen) and their network of volunteers, Lions, The Swedish Church, Värdehuset, Formtoppen and ICA Toppen!
Last but not least, and what is absolutely decisive for all our activities, is the great support and donations that come from private individuals and Gunhild and Georgs memorial fund.
We work actively with integration in Swedish society. Knowledge of the Swedish language is important, as is that the children receive a good schooling and that work opportunities and leisure activities are offered.
Humanity Sweden is an important link between different authorities, schools, municipalities and not least employers.
We create value together that not only benefits our refugees but also creates great value for society as a whole.
